Russell Crowe did it on the big screen and now home-grown gladiators are to battle it out in the City. A giant re-enactment of a Roman tournament is to take place to mark the one-year countdown to the Olympics.
The Museum of London is hosting the recreation in a 1,500-seat arena to be constructed in Guildhall Yard, which lies above a genuine amphitheatre. A series of one-hour shows on July 30 and 31 will see processions of chariots and combat presented by Britannia, a company formed in Essex more than 20 years ago. Museum spokesman Antony Robbins said: "The Gladiator Games will bring the spirit of our Roman past to life in the most dramatic way possible."
The aim is to present a realistic portrayal of combat so organisers are warning of simulated bloodshed which may not be suitable for younger children. Tickets are on sale now priced at £15 for adults and £10 for children.
