Fremantle Maritime Museum is hosting a Roman exhibition from 4 – 19 July 2020, open from 9.30am to 5.00pm each day.
Located at Victoria Quay, Peter Hughes Drive, Fremantle it is an easy stroll from the train station if you are taking public transport. There is paid parking at the museum and ticket inspectors frequently patrol the area for unpaid fees. The exhibit costs $17.50 per adult, or $10 concession.
This anticipated exhibition was scheduled earlier in 2020 but due to Covid-19 it was closed for several months. I tend to screenshot on my phone those events I find I want to attend. It makes it easier to find on my photos than trying to remember what website I found it on. Another great phone tip when you are parking in a multilevel parking facility, take a quick pic of the parking number you are at, ie. G4. (saves frustration if you forget where you parked your car, and it means you don't have to remember G4 the whole time you are shopping!)
I am glad that I had the opportunity to visit. As an avid fan of history the Roman Empire is much admired for their innovations and technology.
This exhibit was well presented and very interesting for people of all ages.
There were life sized exhibits, scale models and short video presentations to enjoy as I wandered around.
The information plaques gave brief but informative details of each device, about what the display was and how it worked.
The variety in the display methods was a great idea, and entices you to discover more.
By the second century each Roman home had running water, something that didn’t happen in other civilisations until well past the dark ages. Their fresh water was carried from miles away, through a mountain and along aqueducts. I learnt that the arch used by the Romans was to strengthen the structure, and also to save building materials. Clever fellows those Romans. Today is what is now Southern France, still standing from the first century is the Pont du Gard (Gard Bridge), one of the last standing parts of the aqueduct. I also learnt that no mortar was used to build these arches. The scale model of an arch showed perfectly how they were made.
I was also fascinated to learn that there is wood that doesn't burn and Julius Caesar used this to his advantage.
Having just binge watched the TV series Vikings where they used battering rams to break down fortified stronghold doors, the tortoise battering ram model at the exhibition was interesting to see the internal fixings.
A lot of work has gone into preparation and execution of this presentation, and it is marvelous. For those items you already know about, it is a pleasant refresher. For those you learn from, it is a pleasurable way to educate and enjoy yourself. The rest of the museum as just as interesting, but that is an article for another day. Stay reading!
Happy Travels!
