A remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old sun hat, once worn by a Roman soldier stationed in Egypt, has gone on public display for the first time in more than a century.
The ancient headgear, crafted from tightly woven plant fibres, is believed to have shielded its wearer from the intense desert sun during Rome’s military occupation of Egypt. It was discovered in the early 20th century but has remained in museum storage ever since, away from public view.
Curators say the hat’s survival is due to Egypt’s arid climate, which preserved its structure and intricate weaving far better than would have been possible in wetter conditions.
“This is an extraordinary piece of everyday Roman military life,” said the museum’s senior archaeologist. “It gives us a glimpse into the human side of soldiers not just their armour and weapons, but the practical items they relied on in harsh conditions.”
The hat is now a centrepiece of a new exhibition exploring the daily lives of Roman troops posted far from home. Alongside the hat, visitors can see sandals, water flasks, and other personal effects that reveal the realities of life on the empire’s frontiers.
The display has already drawn strong public interest, with historians praising the decision to bring the rare artefact out of storage and into the spotlight.
