One of the very neat things about being here is noticing connections to books I've read. The first one of these to pop out at me was when we visited the British Museum. In the section on Roman Britain I saw the tombstone above. Just a piece of stone with an inscription, right? Then I looked at the plaque next to it. This particular tombstone was set up to commemorate one of eight men to return from the Ninth (Hispana) Legion. The Hispana is, of course, the Ninth legion referenced in the title of The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff.
Sutcliff had a great gift for bringing history alive. So to actually see the tombstone of one of the returned soldiers seriously gave me shivers up and down my spine.
2 comments:
The British Museum! One of my favorite places to visit in London. You can never truly apprecaite the whole collection in one trip. If the gallery is open, be sure to check out the Sutton Hoo Collection, including that iconic helmet.
I've never been (but am planning on a 40th birthday trip in a few years) but wow! To be surrounded by literature!
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