Gladiators live

In the past few years Carnuntum has been the venue for unique gladiator fights.  On 21 & 22 August the gladiators return to the arena, even more exciting and authentic than before!  Their equipment and weapons have been reconstructed down to the smallest detail.  A particular highlight in every performance is a spectacular “bridge fight” between secutor and retiarius types of gladiator on a wooden ramp constructed specifically for this purpose.  Just as in ancient Rome, all performances in the Amphitheatre Bad Deutsch-Altenburg will be accompanied by music played on replicas of original instruments. 

Gladiator fights were a fundamental part of Roman culture. They were originally part of the Etruscan cult of the dead and under the Romans they changed to become the bloodthirsty spectacles which have largely influenced our picture of Roman antiquity.  In Carnuntum  too gladiators fought to the death in front of up to 8,000 spectators.  However, unlike scenes shown in movies, fighting did not always involve mass slaughter, but rather single combat with established rules and fixed types of weapons.  The leader of the gladiators who will be fighting in Carnuntum is Dr. Marcus Junkelmann.  Following ancient models he and his men have reconstructed the splendid equipment and elaborate combat techniques. The games begin with the pompa, the ceremonious procession of the gladiators into the arena, accompanied by Roman music and dancers.  Before the start of the exhibition fights with commentary, the patron goddess Nemesis is called upon in a ceremony that is thousands of years old.  Now the individual different types of gladiators begin their combat. All exhibition fights take place to the accompaniment of authentic brass instruments and a water organ.  Once the exciting fights are over, the spectators can enjoy refreshments in the taberna romana behind the arena.

Only on 21 August: Travel like a Roman emperor by ship to the gladiators in Carnuntum!
In cooperation with DDSG we can offer you a spectacular day trip by ship from Vienna.  Further information: tel. 01/58880-0
http://www.ddsg-blue-danube.at/deutsch/html/d_tagaus_carn.asp

Dates: 21 & 22 August
Time: Performances at 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Venue: Amphitheatre Bad Deutsch-Altenburg
Prices: € 13 / reduced € 11 / Youths (11-14 yrs) € 8 / Children (6-10 yrs) € 5