New in 2013

A new theme: "The Triumph of Caesar"

Every year, a theme is chosen for a major historic re-enactment in the Arena, linking educational and performing aspects. The 2013 show is to stage a decisive episode in the Gallic War: the Battle of Alesia, which saw a clash between the Gallic coalition headed by Vercingetorix and Roman legions led by Caesar. We will see the surrender of Vercingetorix… and Caesar’s victory!

The bestiary: a man fighting against a bear 

In Ancient Rome, a bestarius was a man who used to fight in the arena against wild beasts – he was either a condemned criminal or war prisoner or a gladiator, someone who fought willingly for money or for glory. Emperor Augustus encouraged this practice, in which Nero took part and Commodus gained the title of “Roman Hercules”. For the Great Roman Games of 2013, a courageous gladiator will fight against a bear.