An exciting premise, to see into the lives of the everyday roman soldier and those around them. The exhibition moves through a few stages and throughout provides context through the letters written home from a man who joined the army.

The objects on display are impressive, and significant, but largely offered one after the other in a fairly dry manner. A true highlight is the only complete surviving Roman legionary long shield (the tall, curved one you see in the movies).

The categorisation of each section serves to bring context to the objects on display and the information includes details that may be a surprise even for those more familiar with the period. Rare and mundane artefacts alike are accompanied with information bringing to life the struggles and realities of trying to survive in this period.

However it doesn't do anything new. Though artefacts are well-presented, it's the usual treadmill of objects and information without much to break it up. There are no blockbuster displays or immersive elements, so you had better enjoy reading, and queuing to read (more on that below).

There's a tie-in with Horrible Histories to present information to younger guests in a slightly more entertaining way, which is commendable but ultimately is still just a differently shaped information board with larger text. No treasure hunts or the like.

The big let down for this exhibition is simply how poorly presented the information is, which combined with overcrowding within the display means waiting minutes for one person after the other to peer at tiny text, obscuring it one person at a time until they're find space to move along the endless queue of people stooping over minute information panels.

These panels, often at knee level, are particularly challenging for visitors with poor eyesight, having watched many put their face a foot from the panel in an effort to see. While large text guides are provided, they shouldn't be needed as a norm. This dated presentation style is becoming less common as other spaces such as the Wellcome Collection regularly run exhibitions with information presented large enough for multiple people to read from at once, along with more thought-proving presentation. Throughput could be improved along with the visitor experience by presenting the same information in a clearer format.

Do not be surprised if it takes you a very long time to see all of the information and artefacts as you queue around the exhibition like it's Alton Towers. Picking a quieter time is a must to fully enjoy this exhibition. An example of form over function.