GALLERY | FLOOR 1

Archaeology

The Archaeology gallery asks important questions about who narrates the past with interventions addressing pressing societal challenges.

You will hear the voices of young people who have experienced forced migration – perspectives that interrupt and challenge traditional presentations of ancient cultures, such as Roman Britain and ancient Assyria (present-day Iraq). The gallery also tells local stories, celebrating Manchester’s contribution to archaeological fieldwork and research. 

Display case within Manchester Museum's Archaeology Gallery.

THE ARCHAEOLOGY GALLERY.

Gallery highlights

Manchester Word Square

The Manchester Word Square, found in 1978, dates to 180 AD Roman Mamucium. Its Latin inscription reads the same in all directions and may be the earliest evidence of Christianity in northern Britain

VIEW ON THE COLLECTION SEARCH

Taplow sword

The Taplow sword, a Late Bronze Age Thames Valley object (1150–1000 BCE), may have been placed in a river or bog as part of funerary rituals, accompanying the dead in Britain.

VIEW ON COLLECTION SEARCH

Roman altar

This sandstone altar is one of only three examples that are known from the city of Manchester, whose name originates from the Latin name, Mamucium. 

VIEW ON COLLECTION SEARCH