Move over Russell Crowe – Britannia's Gladiators are coming to Wroxeter!

Sunday 28 and Monday 29 August 2011

In Roman society, Gladiatorial combat was seen as the ultimate spectator sport, with two well-trained warriors facing each other in mortal combat. Over the August bank holiday weekend, English Heritage is inviting the public to witness the unique spectacle for themselves as Wroxeter Roman City welcomes the Gladiators!

Over the weekend, visitors will see around 20 combatants competing in two large bouts per day, which promise action, thrills and a large amount of fake blood – not for the faint-hearted! The participants, from re-enactment group Britannia, are some of the finest in the country, having appeared in numerous movie blockbusters, from Gladiator to Centurion, and even CBBC’s Horrible Histories.

Supporting the gladiators will be a team of Roman trainers and supporters, who will regale visitors with tales of some of the most brutal bouts of Ancient Rome, and give them the opportunity to handle some of the armour and assorted weaponry used by the warriors.

“As an extra bonus, visitors can enjoy a re-enactment within a re-enactment each day,” adds Wroxeter Roman City’s visitor operations manager, Nola Ames. “Just like our modern visitors, Romans loved re-enactments so our gladiators will be recreating the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, when Marc Antony’s men fought against those commanded by Brutus, Julius Caesar’s assassin!”

Gladiators were usually slaves who endured a gruelling regime to keep them at the peak of fitness and health – a huge investment for their trainers. The costs were often funded by wealthy Romans keen to demonstrate their wealth, but did not always result in a fight-to-the death, as a trainer would often demand much higher payment if one of his prize fighters died during a bout.

Wroxeter’s Gladiators will enter the arena on Sunday 28 and Bank Holiday Monday 29 August from 11.00am to 5.00pm. Admission prices are £6.20 for adults, £5.50 for concessions and £4.30 for children with a family ticket (two adults and up to three children) available for £16.70. English Heritage members receive discounted admission of £1.40, £1.20, £1.10 and £3.90 respectively.

This event is not suitable for small children, or those of a sensitive disposition, as there is extensive use of theatrical blood during the gladiatorial bouts.

Wroxeter Roman City is located just over five miles from Shrewsbury on the B4380. For more information, please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/wroxeter or call 01743 761330.

ENDS

Note: If the accompanying photograph is used, please credit to petewebb.com

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