Archaeologists have been excavating at Arbeia since the 1870s.
The finds recovered by the early excavators form the focus of the collection at Arbeia which is one of the largest and most significant from Hadrian’s Wall.
The collection includes coins, engraved gemstones, jet ornaments, seal boxes, imperial seals, brooches pins and other jewellery as well as a military hoard included swords and other equipment. There is also a large collection of pottery including a range of cookware and elaborately decorated plates, dishes and other tableware.
Some of the standout larger pieces in the collection are the inscribed stones, altars and graffiti that refer to individuals and places across the Roman Empire as far as Syria in some instances.
Recent excavations have taken place on the interior of the Fort and the current excavation taking place in the south west corner of the site has come about after considerable research that was undertaken into the civilian settlement (vicus).
The excavations and research have helped provide a broad and balanced picture of life at Arbeia during the Roman occupation.
