In this issue

Writing on the Wall
It is logical to suppose that the emperor Hadrian had Hadrian’s Wall constructed, but various theories over the centuries have drawn diverse conclusions about this – and other matters. David J Breeze

Fragments of the empire
Mosaics from across the Roman Empire on show at the J Paul Getty Museum reveal the intricate relationship between violence and beauty,
an idea inherited from the Greeks. Dominic Green

Isis in Italy
The beguiling Ancient Egyptian goddess, who attracted many Roman cult followers, is being celebrated in three intriguing exhibitions at museums in Pompeii, Naples and Turin. Dalu Jones

It’s a very hot topic
350 years ago the Great Fire of London blazed across the city changing its face forever – how did it start, what did witnesses say about this terrible conflagration and how much damage was done? Meriel Jeater

A colourful past
Thanks to its founder, the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, has a collection of illuminated manuscripts that is second to none – as an exhibition celebrating its 200th anniversary shows. Theresa Thompson

Standing up for the Classics
The writer, broadcaster and lapsed comedian Natalie Haynes describes how she uses the wit and wisdom of the ancient world to amuse and enlighten modern audiences. Lindsay Fulcher

Power to the people?
Athens is widely believed to be the birthplace of democracy, but would the kind of voting system practised in the agora be acceptable anywhere in the world today? Paul Cartledge

From archaeologist to matinee idol
Immortalised by David Lean’s 1962 film, TE Lawrence was initially propelled into the limelight by an American showman, who ensured
he would be remembered in fiction – as well as in fact. Neil Faulkner

Writing on the Wall

David J Breeze constructs a history of the different theories about Hadrian’s Wall – who constructed it, when and why?

7 mins

A Colourful Past

One of the ways that the Fitzwilliam Museum is celebrating its 200th anniversary is by the staging of a splendid exhibition of illuminated manuscripts at the end of July – a very fitting tribute to its founder, reports.

9 mins

Read all stories from Minerva

Minerva Magazine Description:

Now available for iPad, Minerva magazine gives anyone with an interest in archaeology and antiquities a compelling insight into the ancient world. Minerva explores the lost civilisations of the past, from Ancient Egypt to Greece, Rome and the mighty empires of the Middle East and Asia.

For over 25 years, Minerva has revealed record-breaking auction results, exciting new finds, and untold stories of the distant past, spanning the Stone Age to the Dark Ages and beyond.

Each issue includes:
• News of finds and research from around the world
• Original research by international experts
• Reviews of major new exhibitions
• Latest trends and auction reports from the antiquities market
• In-depth features on history’s most fascinating people and events
• Profiles of leading figures from the world of archaeology
• Reviews of new publications and a must-have events diary