On Friday 1st, Saturday 2, and Sunday 3 May, 500 re-enactors from France, Italy, Croatia, and Germany converge on the Amphitheatre of Nîmes, an exceptional venue, to participate in the Great Roman Games, a unique event that has become the biggest historical re-enactment of ancient history in Europe, in the finest surviving Roman amphitheatre in the world.

Over the three-day period, the re-enactment in the Amphitheatre will bring to life the legendary ludi (public games) as the inhabitants of Nîmes would have experienced them 2,000 years ago: the imperial court, a procession of Roman legionnaires, chariot racing, and gladiatorial combats. This edition is focusing on Caesar and the conquest of Rome. 

Based on extensive scientific and historical research, the re-enactors make their battledress with materials similar to those used in antiquity. Archaeology enthusiasts, they work closely with historians. In the Amphitheatre, the gladiators, Roman legionnaires, and Celtic fighters’ combat techniques and battledress are as historically accurate as possible.