Orpheus is a popular figure in mosaic art from the Roman Empire. He’s often depicted playing the lyre given to him by the god Apollo, which Orpheus famously used to soften the heart of Hades and attempt to retrieve his wife, Eurydice, from the underworld. His mythic departure from and return to the land of the living was only possible through his divine ability as a musician to charm beasts, move mountains, and bring harmony to the natural world.
I want to introduce you to an object in the Museum’s collection which is unusual to see in an archaeological museum as it belongs to the Arts & Crafts movement. It is located in the last room before you leave the galleries. Nevertheless, it is important to the story of Cirencester and also is a beautiful object depicting the town.
Read Rebecca Preedy's blog post about the Roman Water Nymph. This small bone figurine housed in the museum dates to the Romano-British period. Find out what exactly is a water nymph, and why were they so important to the Romans?
Blog post written by Francesca Gordon: Recent Classical Studies Graduate at Royal Holloway University of London. Looking at the discovery, symbolism, and origins of the Corminium Museum Seasons Mosaic.
Find out what’s been going on with the Stone Age to Corinium project whilst the museum doors were closed.
Read local copywriter and editor Samantha Fryer Ward’s blog about Gods, pirates and a long-lost emperor! Featuring the Museums Mercury sculpture and rare gold Aureus coin of the Emperor Carausius.
Royal Agricultural University students Ollie and McKenzie blog about their work experience at Corinium Museum.
A look behind the scenes at the conservation of an Iron Age dog skeleton and the Hazleton long barrow ready for display in our new Stone Age to Corinium galleries.
Our recent Behind the Scenes tour focused upon the rural life collection and more specifically on the crafts associated with straw. This gave me the excuse to go through the collection and pick out some things with some fabulous names.
Project works are moving into Phase 2 with our temporary entrance, shop and Visitor Information Centre now located in Abbeley House.
