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Information for Visitors to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds (30 April - 2 May)
The Main entrance and Master's café will be closed to non-conference visitors. Public access is through the West entrance by the dock. Galleries will be open and the small café on the second floor will sell drinks and sandwiches.

Roman Special Forces and Special Ops

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Stone carving of Roman cavalry

Speculatores, Exploratores, Protectores and Areani in the Service of Rome.

Speaker: Dr Simon Elliot, FSA.

This lecture is part of the programme supporting our special exhibition Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum, open until Sunday 2 November.

In-person and online

Roman special ops

Join Dr Simon Elliot as he asks the question – did the Romans have special forces like those we know in our world today? Learn about secret Roman operations as Simon explores these ancient and modern specialist units.

Much has been said about the Roman army and its mighty legions who carved out an empire that stood for centuries. But little has been said about the men and units employed when something more subtle than the march of legions was required.

From tactical scouting, covert reconnaissance, and espionage; to assassinations, abductions, counter-insurgency, and bodyguarding, join Dr Simon Elliot as he reveals an entirely overlooked historical phenomenon: Roman special forces and special operations. Simon uses crucial evidence to explore these specialist units, their types of operations, and how they compare to modern conceptions of Special Forces.

Come along to learn about the men who were they eyes and ears of the empire, the deadly tip of the Roman sword.

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This lecture will be presented in-person at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds and online.

You will receive a link to join the online presentation in your booking confirmation.

This is a free lecture please consider making a donation when booking.

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