SUE BRATTLE and COLIN SIMPSON
The Great Roman Games, Arena of Nîmes, France
4/5
UPDATE: The games have been postponed from the normal May dates until Oct. 23-25 because of the coronavirus crisis. The arena is closed until further notice.
TWO thousand years ago gladiators fought to the death at the Arena of Nîmes in southern France. Now, the Great Roman Games are recreated there each year.
Hundreds of re-enactors from across Europe take part in the largest event of its kind, and thousands of spectators gather to watch.
Teams from France, Germany, Croatia and the UK are among those who participate. Before the start they line up outside the ancient amphitheatre in their fabulously detailed armour and other costumes.
Some participants make quite an entrance, such as Julius Caesar here on his Segway chariot.
The games commence on the order of the emperor, and other VIP spectators include senators in their togas.
Charioteers show off their skills as they thunder around the arena and perform daredevil stunts.
Any Trojans in the audience would do well to keep a wary eye on this horse, even though it’s borne by Romans rather than Greeks
Infamy! Famous events from Roman history are recreated, such as the assassination of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony’s inflammatory funeral oration.
In France, home of the Moulin Rouge, no entertainment would be complete without dancing girls.
Then it’s back to mayhem and slaughter, as gladiators have their vengeance. Injured fighters are finished off with a blow to the head with a giant hammer.
A huge set-piece battle rounds off the day’s entertainment, with the triumphant Roman commander accepting the applause of the crowd.
The arena is a popular tourist attraction, and in addition to the Roman games it hosts events such as bullfights and rock concerts – Elton John played there in June.
Nîmes has more Roman remains than any other city in France, and a fabulous new museum next to the amphitheatre showcases this rich heritage.
Updated April 2020
MORE INFO
ARENA OF NîMES site – everything you need to know before you go. READ MORE
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LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH!
GALLERY: ARENA OF NÎMES
Let the Games Begin!
SUE BRATTLE and COLIN SIMPSON
The Great Roman Games, Arena of Nîmes, France
4/5
UPDATE: The games have been postponed from the normal May dates until Oct. 23-25 because of the coronavirus crisis. The arena is closed until further notice.
TWO thousand years ago gladiators fought to the death at the Arena of Nîmes in southern France. Now, the Great Roman Games are recreated there each year.
Hundreds of re-enactors from across Europe take part in the largest event of its kind, and thousands of spectators gather to watch.
Teams from France, Germany, Croatia and the UK are among those who participate. Before the start they line up outside the ancient amphitheatre in their fabulously detailed armour and other costumes.
Some participants make quite an entrance, such as Julius Caesar here on his Segway chariot.
The games commence on the order of the emperor, and other VIP spectators include senators in their togas.
Charioteers show off their skills as they thunder around the arena and perform daredevil stunts.
Any Trojans in the audience would do well to keep a wary eye on this horse, even though it’s borne by Romans rather than Greeks
Infamy! Famous events from Roman history are recreated, such as the assassination of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony’s inflammatory funeral oration.
In France, home of the Moulin Rouge, no entertainment would be complete without dancing girls.
Then it’s back to mayhem and slaughter, as gladiators have their vengeance. Injured fighters are finished off with a blow to the head with a giant hammer.
A huge set-piece battle rounds off the day’s entertainment.
The arena is a popular tourist attraction, and in addition to the Roman games it hosts events such as bullfights and rock concerts – Elton John played there in June.
Nîmes has more Roman remains than any other city in France, and a fabulous new museum next to the amphitheatre showcases this rich heritage.
Updated April 2020
MORE INFO
ARENA OF NîMES site – everything you need to know before you go. READ MORE
RELATED
TOP 10 VIRTUAL ATTRACTIONS: Many of the world’s most popular tourists sites are closed because of the coronavirus crisis, but you can still visit them virtually while you’re self-isolating. READ MORE
RECOMMENDED
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD! Afaranwide’s home page – this is where you can find out about our latest posts and other highlights. READ MORE
SHIMLA, QUEEN OF THE HILLS: Government officials once retreated to Shimla in the foothills of the Himalayas to escape India’s blazing hot summers. Now tourists make the same journey. READ MORE
TEN THINGS WE LEARNED: Our detailed guide to creating a website, one step at a time. The costs, the mistakes – it’s what we wish we’d known when we started blogging. READ MORE
TROUBLED TIMES FOR EXPATS: Moving abroad can seem an idyllic prospect, but what happens when sudden upheavals or the inescapable realities of life intrude? READ MORE