The Great Roman Games
Nîmes Amphitheatre
April 17th & 18th 2010
In April 2010, the city of Nîmes and Culturespaces, the administrator of the arena, present 'A Gathering of the Roman Antiquity in France' as never seen before. Gladiator combats, parades, shows, Roman encampments, theme visits and much more…
Live during the Roman age for a week-end!
Parade, Show and Roman Encampment
On April 17th and 18th, for the first time in 2000 years, the spectacular Roman Games will return to the Arena of Nîmes. A unique performance with more than 200 performers coming from all over Europe!
The Greatest Show – "Circus Games" – in the Arena
This one and a half hour show allows us to relive the "ludi", (Roman Games) that made the Roman Empire famous, with Scene after scene until the Grand Finale. This ceremony will be celebrated in latin by the flamen, the Great Priest of the imperial cult. The spectacular Roman parade, orchestrated by the "praecco", (games animator), recounts the return of a campaign, in which will take part: legionnaires, Celts, gladiators, horsemen presenting their war trophies.
Equestrian exercises involving Romans versus Gauls will give the public the possibility to vote for their favorite troupe, followed by a demonstration of chariot fighting (races, javelin throwing and ground-fighting), gladiator fights on horseback and on foot. The most valiant gladiator will be chosen by the public and presented with a laurel crown He will then be accompanied to the Grand Finale, by a procession marching with the Emperor and his praetorian guard.
Saturday and Sunday from 4.30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The parade – in the streets of Nîmes
This great triumphant procession will take place in the streets of Nîmes with the Emperor Hadrien seated on his chariot and accompanied by all the fighters. He will be preceded by his Praetorian Guard and followed up by different foreign legions, horsemen and Gauls.
Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m.
The Roman Camp – inside the ring of the Amphitheatre
A Roman encampment will be set up for the pleasure of the public in the ring of the Amphitheatre. Discover the legionnaire's camp site and take part in their training, try their arms and admire their equipment. And the gladiator school opens its doors to the children!
Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This great event is conjointly realized by the city of Nîmes and Culturespaces with the University and the Tourist Board of Nîmes.
