The Gladiator Games

Gladiator Games

The spectators gathered under a blazing sun on Sunday afternoon to watch the Roman Gladiatorial Games, a re-enactment of what might have happened on the site of the Guildhall Courtyard some many moons ago.

The audience were split into two cheering sides, one supporting the ‘home’ team LONDINIUM (London), whilst the other – where we were, supported for CAMVLODVNVM (Colchester, Essex).

The games started with the two commentators working the crowd, the arena was anointed with oil and the dedications made to the goddess. Then in came the Emperor on his chariot, and the games were ready to commence. The combatants made their entrance then a heckler from the crowd stood up, jeering the display – he was soon dealt with, dragged before the Emperor and thrown into the area where he was duly dispatched.

Hosts for the Games

Those not quite dead are dispatched by the man in black

Several rounds of fights were played out, I’m not going to tell you who won, but just to say that the teams put on a well performed display with plenty of blood spilt to please the baying crowd, either calling for mercy for their fallen team or for a bloody dispatch for the opposition.

Here are a few photos of the event, but please don’t tell everyone. We’re not supposed to let you know that the Emperor ever came...

Disobedient slaves are thrown to the area

No mercy

This is what became of the heckler

There were female contestants as well.

The Emperor departs

The Gladiator Games were presented at the Guildhall Yard, off Gresham Street, London by the Museum of London on the 30th and 31st July. The Gladiators were supplied by Britannia.