#OTD 305 AD, Emperors Diocletian & Maximian retired, ending their rule. They led a divided empire under a tetrarchy system, aiming for stability but ultimately seeing its collapse. A pivotal moment in Roman history! #History #RomanEmpire #Tetrarchy

Happy Maius! Originally the 3rd month of the #Roman calendar​​​​​​​​, #May became the 5th after calendar reforms. The name may be from Maia, Greek #Goddess of fertility, but Ovid suggested it was from the 'maiores', 'elders' in Latin. The #Floralia continued until the 3rd.

This fine #Roman Cameo is thought to date to cAD305 & to show the Emperor Constantius Chlorus. It is carved in Onyx & is 4cm high by 2.7cm long. British Museum collection

The sandal of a #Roman child from #Trimontium - National Museums Scotland collection. 3,000 people, including women & children, lived at Trimontium. To find out more about children in Roman Britain, see this short film, presented by Bettany Hughes💙 - zcu.io/znsV

Brochs in the Borders? You'd better believe it!

Hundreds of these #IronAge towers are found in northern Scotland, but a few are much further south. Near(ish) to #Trimontium are Torwoodlee Broch, Edin's Hall Broch, Bow Castle Broch.

Caithness Broch Project Archaeology Scotland #ScottishBorders

#OTD 1st May was the anniversary of the Temple of Bona Dea in #Rome . Meaning 'Good Goddess', she looked after chastity & fertility in women, agricultural abundance & protection of the people of Rome. Women cleansed their houses of all male presence - including men & male animals.

This is the stunning #Roman bridge in #Cordoba , #Spain which was also featured in #GameofThrones . It was originally built in the 1st Century AD but what we see today has largely been reconstructed while remaining on the site of the original bridge.

Medallion of #Roman #Empress , Licinia Eudoxia AD422–493, daughter of Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius II & Aelia Eudocia. Her husbands were the Western Roman Emperors Valentinian III & Petronius Maximus, & later Huneric. Their son Hilderic was king of the Vandals 523 to 530.

1st May marked the anniversary of the Temple of Bona Dea in #Rome . Known as the Woman's Goddess, she looked after chastity & fertility, agricultural abundance & the protection of the Roman state. #OTD women cleansed their houses of all male presence -including men & male animals.

Our next Trimontium Talk is coming up on May 9th with a fascinating topic! Roman Slingshot: the forgotten firepower of the ancient world with Prof Lawrence Keppie & Dr John Reid at 7pm! Online and in person. Visit the link to book your spot! 😊

zurl.co/TIAx

Happy May! Next Trimontium Talk is happening soon on May 9th! In person & online. Roman Slingshot: the forgotten firepower of the ancient world with Prof Lawrence Keppie & Dr John Reid at 7pm! Online and in person. Visit the link to book your spot! 😊

zurl.co/MkGS

#OnThisDay in 311 CE, Roman Emperor Galerius, once a harsh persecutor of Christians, issued an edict of toleration. Rising from humble origins to Caesar, his severe rule included a poll tax and relentless persecution.

🎉 Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, born April 26, 121 CE, in Rome to an aristocratic family. Praised by Hadrian, he became emperor in 161 CE, facing challenges but finding solace in Stoicism. Remembered as one of the 'Five Good Emperors' and a profound philosopher. #Stoicism

Mark Antony left Octavia for the Egyptian Pharoh, Cleopatra VII. Antony divorced her in 32BC and she took on the guardianship of all four of his children through other relationships - Iullus Antonius, Alexander Helios, Cleopatra Selene II (pictured) and Ptolemy Philadelphus.

#TrimontiumTuesday Spotlight on a stunning 2nd-century Intaglio on display at Trimontium Museum: molded glass with two eagles and a standard, set in a ring. A legionary soldier's seal, reflecting status, and could be used as a signature.
Photo ©National Museums Scotland

The #Roman poet, Lucan, died on 30th April AD65 aged 25. He was a members of the Piso plot to kill Emperor Nero & was ordered to commit suicide - he had tried accusing his mother in a hope that he would be pardoned.

No life is short that gives a man time to slay himself. - Lucan

Aelia Eudoxia was married to the Eastern #Roman Emperor, Arcadius, on 27th April AD395 - They were both around 18 years old. They had at least five children together & Eudoxia was able to gain considerable power due to the weakness of her husband. The image is Arcadius.

Here are a range of cooking pots and vessels and a griddle found at #Trimontium and all dating to between AD80-180. For the ordinary #Roman , food was basic. The staple diet consisted mostly of a wheat-based porridge, seasoned with herbs or meat if available.

🌸  #OTD Apr 27th the start of the Floralia, an ancient #Roman festival honouring Flora, #goddess of flowers, #Spring & fertility. Plebeian in nature. Games lasted 6 days. 🌼 Flora was 1 of the 15 deities to have her own state-supported high priest, the flamen Florialis.

Happy #WorldBookDay ! Explore Roman history with our Trimontium shop selection: 'Eagle and the Bear' by John H Reid, 'Slingers and Sling Bullets' by Professor Keppie, and 'A Roman Frontier Post and its People' by National Museums Scotland.