Rome: City and Empire is now open at the National Museum of Australia, offering a rare opportunity to experience Roman artefacts on loan from the British Museum, London.

The British Museum was a favourite haunt while researching for Fire and Sacrifice, where I got to see everyday implements like hair combs, oil lamps, jewellery and cooking utensils that helped me bring the priestesses’ world of second-century BC Rome to life.

Now more Aussies can too (and if you live in fabulous London, do go explore there!). I’ve collected a few of my favourite pieces here for you to see (thanks to the British Museum website).