You’ve still got time to catch ‘Following the Eagle’ at Segedunum Roman Fort, an extraordinary exhibition that collects together artefacts from Roman soldiers who served across the Roman Empire.

This show has been packing the punters in and with good reason, because it reveals the surprisingly global identity of Tyneside’s ancient guardians. At the heart of the exhibition are five remarkably intact bronze military diplomas – essentially 2,000-year-old discharge papers granted after 25 years of service. These rare documents offer a personal glimpse into the lives of real soldiers, recording their names, units, and homelands. Highlights include a diploma belonging to a member of a Syrian archer unit stationed along Hadrian’s Wall, alongside another from a member of the emperor's elite Praetorian Guard. Three of these extraordinary pieces have traveled all the way from the USA, making their first-ever appearance in Britain right here in Wallsend. Naturally, the show’s centrepiece symbol – the Roman military eagle – is resplendent through stunning decorative horse armour, intricate brooches, and a rare bronze standard eagle. These global treasures sit side by side with local finds from Segedunum and Arbeia, including stamped roof tiles, seal boxes, and arrowheads, cementing Tyneside's place in a massive international network stretching to the Middle East and beyond. Catch this Eagle before it takes flight.

Following the Eagle, until 3 October, free for anyone under 21 and NE28 residents, adults & concession charges apply, northeastmuseums.org.uk/segedunum