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Page 3
Press release
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Screening of the film « Gladiator » by Ridley Scott : Friday 1st May at 9:30 pm
in the Amphitheatre Nîmes
Page 5
A Roman weekend in Nîmes
Page 6
The Culturespaces Foundation is inviting 300 children to the Great Roman
Games
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The Great Roman Games: a historical reenactment in the Arena
Page 8
The theme of the Great Roman Games 2015 : « Hannibal »
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Rollout of the show
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Roman religion: the Imperial Cult ceremony and the Celtic ceremony
Page 15
The re-enactors
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Live events and shows proposed by the City of Nîmes
Page 25
Culturespaces, producer of the Great Roman Games
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Visuals available for press use
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Partners of the Great Roman Games
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Practical information
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PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday and Sunday, 2nd and 3rd May 2015, lovers of ancient history will come together at the
Amphitheatre of Nîmes to attend the 6th edition of the Great Roman Games. This spectacular reenactment brings together over 500 enthusiastic re-enactors from all over France, Italy and Germany,
under the banner of this year’s theme, « Hannibal », the illustrious enemy of the Roman Republic,
passed through the Nîmes region around 218 BC during his expeditionary march towards Rome.
Why are the Great Roman Games being held in Nîmes ?
Nicknamed the “French Rome”, Nîmes has the best preserved Roman monuments in the world: the Arena,
the Maison Carrée (Square House), Magne Tower, not forgetting the Castellum Divisorium (water
distribution basin), Diana’s Temple and the Augustus Gate. In the heart of this unique heritage site, the
Roman Games are an invitation to young and old alike to discover life in ancient times.
The Great Roman Games have become a much awaited event each year by a growing number of
spectators because of the enthusiastic acting of the re-enactors and the public’s fervor highlighted by the
exceptional backdrop of the Arena of the French city of Nîmes in the South of France. Last year’s edition of
the Great Roman Games attracted more than 12,000 spectators. Be ready to step back 2000 years to relive
the legendary ludi (games) in the amphitheatre just as the inhabitants of Nemausus (Nîmes) would have
done.
A new theme for the 2014 edition of the the Great Roman Games : « Hannibal »
This year, the Emperor Hadrian is calling on the citizens of Colonia Augusta Nemausus (Nîmes) to celebrate
Rome’s victory over Carthage by way of a re-enactment of the passage of Hannibal’s troops through the
Nîmes region, up to Scipio’s victory at the Battle of Zama. The character of Hannibal has always attracted
much interest because he is considered to be one of the greatest military strategists of his time. His great
hatred of Rome enabled him to command one of the most important attacks of the Republican period.
According to the historian Polybius, Hannibal crossed the south of Western Europe with no less than
59,000 soldiers.
Spectators will also witness the military pompa (a march-past of the troops before the emperor), the
chariot races as well as the munus, the famous gladiator fights: thracians against murmillones, retiarii
against secutores...
Once again this year, the Fondation Culturespaces is proud to set
up a major access operation for children who do not have access
to cultural events such as children from difficult areas around
Nîmes as well as disabled children or those in hospital. By
partnering with various social and medical organizations, some of
which specialize in autism, the Fondation Culturespaces will invite
300 children to attend this great historical re-enactment in the
Arena of Nîmes on May 2nd.
© S. Tétu
300 children invited by the Culturespaces Foundation
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SCREENING OF THE FILM « GLADIATOR » BY RIDLEY SCOTT
FRIDAY 1ST MAY AT 9:30 PM, IN THE AMPHITHEATRE OF NÎMES
On the occasion of the Great Roman Games and the 15th anniversary of the premiere of « Gladiator »,
the film by Ridley Scott, discover or rediscover the legendary movie in the majestic setting of
Amphitheatre of Nîmes. Crowned by 5 Oscars, including that of Best Film, « Gladiator » recounts the epic
saga of the Roman general Maximus whose tragic fate leads him to become a gladiator at the Coliseum in
Rome.
The film will be presented by Claude Aziza, an authority on
Classical Literature and honorary Professor Emeritus of Latin
literature and language at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University
- Paris III. Claude Aziza is also a cinema specialist and will
position « Gladiator » in the genre of historical epic films.
The film will take on another dimension, exceptionally being
screened in the heart of the Amphitheatre at Nîmes, the
same place where gladiator fights were held over 2000
years ago. Those taking part in the Great Roman Games will
be there in Roman dress. Feel free to come in costume
yourself if you wish!
Russell Crowe et the Nîmes Arena
Russell Crowe, actor and star of the film « Gladiator », for
which he won the Oscar for Best Actor, knows the
Amphitheatre of Nîmes well since in 2005 he recorded
video clip for “The Weight of a Man” with his band The
Ordinary Fear of God (TOFOG).
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Nîmes Arena
Boulevard des Arènes – 30000 Nîmes
Tél. : +33 (0) 4 66 21 82 56 / message@arenes-nimes.com
The gates to the Amphitheatre open at 8:30 pm. The screening starts at 9:30 pm.
SINGLE PRICE
5 € (parental consent is necessary for children)
Tickets on sale from 1st March 2015, to be purchased from the Amphitheatre ticket office / Limited number of
places.
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A ROMAN WEEK-END IN NIMES
After five editions crowned with success, the Great Roman Games are returning to the Nîmes Arena on 2nd
and 3rd May 2015. Roman legionnaires, Celts, gladiators, imperial court, auxiliaries, riders and battle
chariots will all be present at this major Roman festival.
Saturday et Sunday
Saturday and Sunday, Roman effervescence will be visible all day long, in the city centre, on the Arena floor
and at the archaeology museum. However, some special events will punctuate these two days :
10:30 – 11:00 am Roman procession – from the Maison Carrée to the Jardins de la Fontaine
A statue of the god Trajan will be taken from the Maison Carrée, to be brought in procession to the Jardins
de la Fontaine, passing through the city.
11:00 – 11:30 am Celtic ceremony – in the Jardins de la Fontaine
This ceremony is situated at the time of the Gallic War (58-51 BC). In this transitional period, the Gauls in
the region were Caesar’s allies. This Celtic ceremony is held to honour the god Nemos. Performed by a
druid, assisted by a bard, it is a gathering of Gallic warriors from the Volcae Arecomici tribe, in the
presence of a Roman officer there to consecrate this alliance.
11:30 – 12:00 pm Imperial Cult ceremony – in the Jardins de la Fontaine
In the forecourt of the Maison Carrée, the priests of the Imperial cult perform a ceremony in honour of
Emperor Hadrian passing through Nîmes. The ceremony is all in Latin with historical explanations given by
the praeco. More information on page 12.
12:00 – 12:30 pm Emperor’s Triumphal procession – from the Jardins de la Fontaine to the
Arena
Returning from Britain, Hadrian proceeds to Nîmes and marches through the city with his legionaries,
auxiliaries and Celtic mercenaries who fought on his side.
3:30 – 5:30 pm
Historical re-enactment – in the Arena « HANNIBAL »
This event is a historical evocation of the amphitheatre games as they could have taken place in 122 AD.
The costumes, weapons and equipment used are based on accurate historical and archaeological sources.
The fighting techniques displayed are also the result of rigorous experiments. This intentionally historical
approach is unique in the field. It allows us to experience the reality of Ancient Rome. The final part of this
year's show will place particular emphasis on Hannibal, the Carthaginian general who defied Rome !
More information on pages 7-9.
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THE CULTURESPACES FOUNDATION
is inviting 300 children to the Great Roman Games
Between March and June 2015, the Culturespaces Foundation is running a project called « In the footsteps of
the Romans » at the Amphitheatre of Nîmes and the Roman Theatre of Orange. The aim is to help ill or
disadvantaged children to discover the rich heritage of their region whilst at the same time introducing them
to history and architecture.
The project is expected to help to 300 children from Nîmes, Orange, Montpellier and the surrounding towns.
The initiative is being offered to social support organisations: neighbourhood associations, social centres, as
well as to children's hospitals and priority schools in the Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
regions.
« In the footsteps of the Romans » is a playful and educational project that aims to help children 9 to 11 years
old to discover Antiquity in a suitable and entertaining way. The Culturespaces Foundation hopes to enable
children to discover the exceptional sites inherited from Roman Antiquity. Apart from visiting one of these
locations with their group, children will be invited to watch a spectacular event: the historical re-enactment of
the Great Roman Games, bringing together hundreds of legionaries and gladiators in the ring of the Nîmes
Amphitheatre.
The project « In the footsteps of the Romans » is divided into four stages from March to June 2015 :
- An educational session with a cultural mediator inside the childcare institution.
- An entertaining guided visit, in the form of a treasure hunt at the Roman Theatre of Orange, or in Roman
costume to discover daily life at Nemausus in the Amphitheatre of Nîmes.
- Participation in the historical re-enactment of the “The Great Roman Games” on Saturday, 2nd May 2015
in the Amphitheatre of Nîmes.
- A follow-up experience based around a board game and other activities (making a Roman hopscotch
game, etc.).
To support the projects of the Fondation Culturespaces, you can make a secure online donation by clicking on
the following site : www.fondation-culturespaces.com
Contact : Gersende de Pontbriand
Delegated management of the Culturespaces Foundation
Tél. : +33 (0) 6 31 86 41 38 - Email : fondation@culturespaces.com
Created in 2009, the Culturespaces Foundation promotes access to the arts and cultural heritage for children and
teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds and those who are ill, hospitalized or disabled. Its long-term actions aim
to open children’s eyes to the historical riches of their heritage, by introducing them to historical monuments and
museums. The Culturespaces Foundation is active in Languedoc-Roussillon Region since 2011. Long-term partnerships
have been established between the Arena of Nîmes and the university hospital centre (CHU) of Nîmes, the city
community centres of Nîmes and the CHU of Aix-en-Provence. The projects of the Foundation are funded by public
donations and corporate sponsorship.
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THE GREAT ROMAN GAMES
Historical reenactment in the Arena
The historical context of the Great Roman Games in Nîmes
The Great Roman Games in Nîmes celebrate the visit of the Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD in the Colonia
Augusta Nemausus (the ancient name of Nîmes). Ancient texts reveal that this visit took place when the
adoptive son of Trajan moved away from the actual border of Scotland to Egypt through Gaul and Spain
(Augustus History, Hadrian, XII). On this occasion, the Emperor performed sacrifices in honor of his
ancestors and offered gladiators. These authentic traditions will be performed again for the Great Roman
Games in Nîmes.
On this occasion, Romans used to organize re-enactments of historical battles and mythical episodes of
their history. That is why Culturespaces developed in the organization of the Great Roman Games the idea
of ​a theme based on a true pageant. This year, the Emperor Hadrian calls on the citizens of Colonia
Augusta Nemausus to celebrate Rome’s victory over Carthage.
Gladiatorial combat: the historical reality
In the 2nd century AD, gladiatorial combat was at its peak. Sometimes slaves but more often than not free
men, gladiators are all highly trained professionals who belong to a troop. There were veritable "stars",
trained in combat since their youth. Their owner is called the lanista. Several doctores are under his
command, and train the different types of gladiators.
In the Ancient World, a day in the amphitheatre proceeded according to a timetable: the morning is
dedicated to hunting shows with wild animals called Venationes. At midday, prisoners condemned to death
are sometimes executed, but the most eagerly anticipated event takes place in the afternoon, with the
gladiatorial combats. Set to music, the combats are on foot, on horseback or on chariots.
The murmillonnes, the thracians, the retiarii or the secutores have specific equipment called armatura. The
combat is always supervised by a referee who bears witness to the fact that the fight is real. Death is not
automatic. It is only possible during the grand performances (munus) when a gladiator has not fought well.
In this case, the public enthusiastically makes their opinion of the combat known. The thumb up or down
never existed, it is an invention of the 18th century. However, the Roman public demonstrated their
decision using a small piece of fabric (mappa) that they waved from the terraces.
On 2nd and 3rd May, the audience will be able to repeat this ancient tradition once more, with white
towels handed out at the entrance. If the public decides that the beaten combatant fought well and
deserves to be sent away alive (missio), they wave their mappa. If he does not deserve to be saved, the
public will express their dissatisfaction and his career will end there... The praeco is the public crier who
presents the games in the amphitheatre. He acts as an intermediary between the editor of the games and
the public. Take care, he will try to influence you...
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THE THEME OF THE GREAT ROMAN GAMES 2015 :
« HANNIBAL »
Presentation of the « Hannibal » theme
By Eric Teyssier,
Scientific advisor to the Great Roman Games,
Senior lecturer at the University of Nîmes, history department
In 218 BC, Hannibal, a wealthy Carthaginian general, gathered an army in Spain to carry the war to Italy.
He crossed the Pyrenees with his mercenaries, horsemen and elephants and advanced towards the
Rhone without meeting resistance. He then arrived in the territory of the Volcae. Thanks to the
historical accounts of Livy and Polybius, this Gallic tribe from the region of Nîmes thus made its first
appearance in ancient history.
A significant number of the warriors around Nîmes decided to fight and they positioned themselves on
the left bank of the Rhone so as to turn this river into “a fearsome rampart”. However, other Volcae
chose to provide Hannibal with boats to help him cross the Rhone so that he would go away from the
region as soon as possible. Rafts were even built to cater for the passage of the elephants. In three
days a flotilla was assembled, probably near to Beaucaire. When he was ready to move, Hannibal
ordered his cavalry to cross the river further to the north. Thus whilst Hannibal was preparing to come
ashore from the right bank of the Rhone, the Volcae were attacked in the rear by Carthaginian
horsemen who suddenly appeared behind them. Caught in the crossfire, the Gauls panicked and
quickly dispersed.
Crossing the Alps was very stressful for Hannibal's army, especially for the elephants. Because of the
extreme cold, Hannibal lost an eye during this part of the journey. Once through the Alps, Hannibal
crushed the Romans three times and set about pillaging Italy. But the Roman general Scipio
subsequently crossed the Mediterranean to disembark in present-day Tunisia, so as to directly threaten
Carthage. Hannibal thus abandoned Italy to come back to defend his city. He was finally defeated by
the Romans at the Battle of Zama in 202 BC.
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The protagonists
Hadrien (Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus) (76 AD—138 AD)
Born in 76 AD, a Roman Emperor of the Antoninus dynasty, he succeeded his adoptive father, Trajan,
in 117. Hadrian is a good administrator, a man of letters with Hellenistic culture. Wishing to keep the
peace, he has travelled his empire, stretching from Scotland to Syria. In 122, on his return from the
Isle of Britain, he has stopped off in Nimes. He has decided to build a basilica there in homage to
Empress Plotinus, Trajan’s widow, who allowed him to gain the imperial throne. He is putting on a
wonderful games spectacle on this occasion.
Marcus Cominius Aemilianus (83 BC—30 AD)
Aemilianus is a Nimes magistrate who has occupied all the positions in the city’s magistracy. Since
his fellow citizens appreciated his generosity, the Senate attributed to him the honour of being a
flamine of the imperial cult of the city. The ceremony over which he is to preside this year will have
a special aspect as it will take place in Nimes before the Emperor for the very first time. If
everything goes well, this will help Aemilius to become a flamine for the province the following year.
We have learned of Aemilianus from the stele erected on his death, now located in the Nimes
museum.
Hannibal Barca (247 BC – 183 BC)
Hannibal was the military chief of the powerful kingdom of Carthage which spanned the north of
Africa along the Mediterranean. Brought up in the hatred of the Romans, he planned to continue the
work of his father, General Hamilcar Barca, by attacking the Roman Empire. It was to this purpose
that he undertook the Second Punic War around 218 BC. His expedition, consisting of 59,000
soldiers and 37 elephants, planned to get to grips with the enemy by following the routes through
Mediterranean Gaul.
Scipio, known as « Scipio the African » (235 BC – 183 BC)
Scipio was a general of the Roman legion and an influential politician. He thwarted Hannibal’s
imminent arrival in Rome by directly attacking the city of Carthage. The enemy commander was
thereby obliged to turn back and return to defend his kingdom. Thanks to his talent as a tactician
Scipio won victory in the Battle of Zama, which earned him the nickname « Scipio the African ».
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The praeco Cornelius Publius Ursus
He was once a murmillo gladiator known as Ursus. When his gladiator contract ended, he was
unable to regain his dignity as a citizen due to the poor reputation of his previous profession. So
Ursus became a praeco (crier) and, in this role, uses his voice on behalf of the city to announce
important news, head auctions and act as commentator for shows in the amphitheatre. This is a
great day because he is going to present the games given by the Emperor in person.
Xantus
Xantus is the son of a well-born family but preferred to become a gladiator rather than having a
peaceful life as a noble. Now a first-class retarius (primus palus) his fame has spread beyond the
boundaries of the city of Nimes. Acclaimed in the amphitheatres of the entire Narbonne region, his
ambition is to achieve the glory of a career in Rome. Hadrian’s visit to Nimes has given him this
opportunity and he will do everything to be noticed but for this he has to beat Eros.
Eros
Eros chose to be a gladiator at any early age to escape poverty. Secutor gladiator and fifteen-times
victor, he suffered a defeat against Xantus the previous year. Although the public was loyal by
allowing him to live, Eros does not want to remain defeated. The Emperor’s presence makes this
fight an even greater prize that can bring him in a lot of money. He will therefore do everything to
get his revenge. We have learned about Xantus and Eros from an appliqué medallion now housed
in the Nimes Museum.
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ROLLOUT OF THE SHOW
1. The military pompa
Preceding the Emperor’s entrance, the pompa is a march-past to present troops. Admire the Roman
troops fighting for the Emperor to maintain peace in the Roman Empire.
2. The entrance of the Emperor
Acclaim the Emperor Hadrian, son of the god Trajan! See the Praetorian Guard that accompanies him
and the lictors (bodyguards) bearing fasces (a bundle of wooden rods), symbols of imperial power.
3. Those sentenced to death
The Emperor Hadrian came back from the Isle of Britain (current England) with Pict prisoners (Celts
living in Scotland). Condemned to fight in the arena for your entertainment, they must confront strange
creatures, half-man and half-animal, to save their miserable lives.
4. The munus – gladiator fights
These Great Roman Games will see fights between:
- Thracians and Murmillones,
- Retarii and Secutores,
Don’t hesitate to express your feelings and wave your mappa (cloth) to ask for pardon.
5. Distribution of bread
The Emperor in his great generosity offers you bread !
6. The Equiria (races between 6 horses over 7 laps)
The equiria is a very ancient horse race dating back to the Etruscan period. Very popular among the
Romans, the equiria was dedicated to the god Mars. During this race anything was fair game: use of the
whip, riding crop, etc. The first horse to cross the finishing line, with or without a rider, was declared
the winner. The celebrated Italian palio spring directly from this antiquated tradition.
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This year the Great Roman Games are open to betting! Support your rider in this frenzied race. The
coloured mapa that you are holding in your hand represents the district that you support:
-
Red : the Maison Carrée Forum district
Green : the Amphitheatre district
White : The Neptune district, near to the Fountain
7. Interlude of dancers and acrobats
8. Final Battle: Hannibal at the Battle of Zama
See the conquest of the fearsome Hannibal who defied the authority of the Empire, right up to the
gates of Rome. You will witness his long march from Spain all the way to Italy, passing through the
Nemausus region, where the Carthaginian army faced the terrible Volcae tribes. The final battle took
place in Tunisia, in the arid plain of Zama, between the legions of Scipio the African and Hannibal.
Furor Elephantus :
War elephants have been used very often, from Antiquity up to the present day. They made their first
appearance in the Indus valley, then at the Battle of Gaugamela where the Persian elephants terrified
the Macedonian armies of Alexander the Great. This powerful weapon was feared by the combatants:
the infantry was crushed, the horses of the riders fled before these strange mastodons. Their
appearance on the battlefield caused panic in the enemy ranks.
However, at the Battle of Zama, the Roman legions under Scipio found a ploy to easily slaughter
Hannibal's elephants: the infantry left open corridors into which the elephants rushed. It only
remained to hurl all as many projectiles as possible into the flanks of the animals, which perished
literally skewered.
This is the first time in the history of the Great Roman Games that this type of battle has been
reconstituted in the Arena, with a real elephant led by Hannibal and his elephant driver.
Scenario and production : Eric Dars, Professor of history / Eric Teyssier, Senior lecturer at the
University of Nîmes, history department / Michael Couzigou, Director of the Amphitheatre
for Culturespaces.
Coordination : Michael Couzigou / Culturespaces
Technical stage managers : Yann Guerrero et Mickaël Grenat
Original music and video conception : Fabien Faizant
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ROMAN RELIGION :
THE IMPERIAL CULT CEREMONY AND THE CELTIC CEREMONY
With the advent of the Empire, a new cult of « deified emperors and their families » appeared.
In fact, this cult did not aim to honour an emperor during his life. The Romans never considered the
man at the head of the Empire to be a god. This desire to honour the emperors was probably in
answer to two needs.
First of all, that of gathering the largest number of individuals around the Imperial person in a civic
communion. This cult, in the same way as other public cults, therefore gave the population the
chance to come together, share moments of joy, celebrations, festivals and emotions creating this
feeling of belonging. This belonging being all the more useful to the Roman state, it took the person
of the Emperor as an anchorage point and therefore in some way, the state.
The second need at the root of the Imperial cult is the
need for the populations of the capital, like those of
the cities of the Empire, to understand and fear a
new type of power unequalled up to then. With the
first Emperor, Augustus, one man concentrated all the
powers and honours. As no one could be superior to
the emperor, he was awarded honours comparable to
those one would offer to the gods.
This cult therefore honoured the powers of the emperor more than the man himself. He was the man
chosen by the gods to exercise immense power, a power much too great for average citizens.
The cult of the deified emperors was rendered by priests, the Imperial flamens. They were all
important people from their city. They were helped by seviri Augustales, emancipated slaves who saw
in this cult the possibility to actively participate in a ceremony that grouped together the public body
and beyond. The majority of traditional rites were observed during the « Imperial ceremonies » :
invocation, prayer, libation and sacrifice.
The Imperial Cult ceremony
This year, the Ceremony of the Imperial Cult will depart from the Maison Carrée, a temple dedicated
to this type of parade. A statue of the god Trajan will be taken from the building to be carried in
procession to the Jardins de la Fontaine, passing through the entire city on the way.
13
The delegation of Hadrian’s predecessor will thus come to meet his successor on a visit to Nîmes.
Hadrian and his court will await the procession at the heart of Augusteum, the ancient shrine
dedicated to the local god Nemausus and to the deified emperors after Augustus. The procession will
be the opportunity to introduce all of the town’s prominent citizens, amongst whom there will be the
flamen, the high priest of Augustus, and the flaminica, the priestess of the cult of deified empresses.
Following them are the quattuorviri, the four most important magistrates of the city of Nîmes, the
city fathers, the quaestors, the prefect at arms and his guards and the seviri, a college of six freed
slaves designated by their city to administer the religious ceremonies for a period of one year.
The Celtic ceremony
The Celts attached great importance to the sacred nature of water and many sources and grottos are
home to places of worship. Our heritage still bears the trace. In Nîmes, the source at the foot of Mont
Cavalier (centre of the current city) is certainly at the origin of the development of life. The Volcae
Arecomici tribe deified this source and devoted themselves to the worship of the god Nemos. The
water of the shrine was the source of life and healing and was therefore sacred. In certain cases the
sacred water could not be used for daily needs. This no doubt explains the construction of an
aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, to carry water to Nimes. A source could also be the venue for a temple,
an altar or a statue of the venerated god. The Romans, eager to unify the Celtic and Roman
inhabitants of the city, built a temple here in honour of Augustus and Rome. This site is a perfect
example of the cultural fusion between Gauls and Romans.
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THE RE-ENACTORS
The Great Roman Games bring together in Nîmes for a weekend the best ancient Europe re-enactment
and experimentation groups. Several hundreds of reenactors (almost 20 troops) selected for their
accuracy and reliability of their work will be able to perform against the backdrop of the best preserved
Roman amphitheatre in the world.
France
Ange Ruiz (Chars de combat, Arles)
This troop, specialized in harnessing, had also reconstructed two Roman wars chariots back to their
original state. They use different techniques to recreate chariot races, as close as they were during Roman
antiquity.
Contact : Ange RUIZ – +33 (0) 4.90.96.52.47 – attelage-arles@wanadoo.fr
Carpefeuch (Nîmes)
Carpefeuch, the Cultural Association at Nîmes, has a passion for everything Roman. To inaugurate the
Great Roman Games, the association is organising a Roman dinner on 29th April at the Feuchères College
at Nîmes: this cena romana, served in antique dress, is prepared following the recipes of the great
gastronome Apicius. The association will also take part in the parades and the spectacle in the arena. The
association also is organising the 5th edition of the Peplum Book Forum from 5th to 7th June in Nîmes.
Contact : Martine QUINOT MURACCIOLE – +33 (0) 6.75.92.79.25 – association.carpefeuch@laposte.net
Carthago Reconstitution
Since 2010 the troupe Carthago Reconstitution has been staging historical events and shows that are
unique in Europe. furor elephantus features the warriors of Hannibal Barca (247 BC – 183 BC) and the use
of a Carthaginian war elephant as it was fitted out during the second Punic war. The performances are
the result of extensive research and the study of historical and archaeological sources.
Contact : Pascal MINNE – 06.75.00.28.36 – carthagoanim@gmail.com
15
Equi-Staff (Cavalerie romaine, Avignon)
The foremost aim of this Provençal classic horse riding company is to teach natural horsemanship and the
basics of horse riding through adapted and customised services. Equi-Staff has expanded its field of action
to illustrate the use of horses through different periods and different styles. From Roman times with their
military manoeuvres to Western riding, through the tournaments of the Middle Ages to today’s Horseball
tournaments and Camargue riding, Equi-Staff offers a panorama of horses through the ages thanks to
keen professional reenactors.
Contact : Aurélien DE BRUYNE – +33 (0) 6.72.28.58.81 – aurelien_debruyne@hotmail.com
Galates
Specialized in cultural mediation, the Company Galates offers activities and historical shows based on the
theme of Antiquity. Multi-faceted and multidisciplinary, the company evokes not only music and theatre,
but also ancient sciences such as the art of warfare, naval forces and geography, as well as childhood and
medicine.
Contact : Philippe GUERAS – 06.21.93.35.80 – galates-spectacles@gmail.com
Institut Français de la Narbonnaise – Embonne (Légionnaires, Agde)
The Institut Français de la Narbonnaise is an association from Cap d’Agde. They are referring themselves
to practical method of Experimental Archeology. With this association we travel throughout different
paths of the everyday Antique life, by using gastronomy and military life.
Contact : Jean-Marc MELILLI – +33 (0) 6.51.34.08.21 – embonne@neuf.fr
La Lance Arverne (Gaulois, Romagnat)
The re-enactment troupe consists of men and women passionate about Celtic history and archaeology.
They try to re-enact how the Arvernes used to live and their craftsmanship techniques from the early 1st
century BC until the Gallic War, situated in its geographic and historical context. More generally, the
troupe presents Gallic civilisation and society in a light more in line with recent scientific and
archaeological data, rectifying a certain number of clichés and preconceived, often caricatural ideas
disseminated by the media.
Contact : Thomas LOBO – +33 (0) 6.45.25.65.03 – lalancelibre@gmail.com
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Les Mercenaires du Temps (Historical shows, Codolet)
This company is a team of combatants and civilians who offer cultural activities as well as street
entertainment and shows. During the shows they present demonstrations of battles, sword fights
(gladiators or mediaeval) and even workshops for children. The scenery, costumes, arms and shields are
made by the artists who founded the company. The scenarios are original and inspired by history.
Contact : Robert DUPOUX – +33 (0) 6.61.94.13.49 – mercenairestemps@aol.com
Limitis (Gaulois, Rhône-Alpes)
This association brings together some twenty people, and aims to study the peoples who lived at the edge
of the Roman world, and introduce them to the general public as much as possible. Their activities are the
result
of
research
based
on
literary,
iconographic
and
archaeological
sources.
Contact : Patrick BERBERIAN – +33 (0) 6.12.93.41.28 – berberianpatrick@hotmail.fr
Lorica Romana (Légionnaires, Gard)
The Lorica Romana association represents the Tenth Twin Legion. This unit took part in the siege of
Gergovia against Vercingetorix in 52 BC and still existed during Emperor Hadrian's reign. The equipment of
the association's legionaries is identical to what was used at the time.
Contact : Nicolas PIROSA – +33 (0) 4.66.59.08.68 – nicop30@yahoo.fr
Allemagne
AERA (Légionnaires)
The European Association of Antique Reconstitution is composed of French, German and Austrian
legionnaires. These volunteer workers reveal their skills and combat discipline, throughout the
reconstruction of the beginning of the Antique period. They would like to pass on their knowledge of the
Antique Mediterranean civilization to the public.
Contact : Jean Luc FERAUD – +33 (0) 7.71.08.81.52 – assoc.aera@t-online.de
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Italie
ASSOCIAZIONE CULTURALE CISALPINA, Milan
One of the first groups in Europe, active since 1999, which divides its time between research and historical
re-creation in the different spheres of ancient and modern past life. The company present at the Great
Roman Games offers a reconstitution of the third praetorian cohort of the 1st century AD.
Contact : Valentina RUSSO – +39 373 710 18 81 (Luca Bonacina) – lucioquintus.boncino@cisalpa.net
ASSOCIAZIONE CULTURALE DECIMA LEGIO, Rome
Since 2008, the Decima Legio has been involved almost exclusively with historical re-enactments of the
Roman army of the republican period (the period between the Punic Wars and Julius Caesar’s ventures in
Gaul). Its reconstitutions include armament, the equipment of the republican legions and marching
manoeuvres, battle tactics and the daily life of legionnaires at the time.
Contact : Giuseppe CASCARINO – +39 348 357 75 12 – gcascarino@tiscali.it / info@decimalegio.it
FEDERATION EVROPANTIQVA, Vérone
Founded in 2006, the Evropantiqva Federation brings together four Italian historical reconstitution
associations (Fianna apPalug, Teuta Insubris, Lingons and Brogos Keltoi) that have been active for more
than 10 years. The Federation is involved in the re-creation of different living conditions in the 3rd century
BC, in particular Gallic and Punic.
Contact : Gioal CANESTRELLI – +39 333 664 81 19 – info@evropantiqva.org
LEGIO VI FERRATA, Rovigo
An experimental archaeology group founded in 2008 with the aim of reconstructing as accurately as
possible an operational legion during the Punic Wars and during the first century AD in Syria.
Contact : Matteo FORNASARI – clarvs79@yahoo.it
LEGIO XII – FULMINATA, Cesena
The association seeks to reconstruct the Age of Caesar by studying the equipment of the Roman
legionaries and providing a faithful reconstruction.
Contact : Giuseppe Rudilosso – +39.335.728.65.72 – rudikg@alice.it
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LEGIO X GEMINA PFD , Rome
The cultural association SPQR was founded in 2004 by a group of enthusiasts who were already experts in
the field of historical reconstitution. This group has succeeded in re-creating several periods of Roman
antiquity: the Punic era, the late-Republican era, the imperial and late-imperial eras. The historical
gladiator school « Ludus Magnus », based in Rome, includes 12 combatants (gladiators and gladiatrices).
Apart from the military aspects, the association aims to promote the civic aspect of the period of interest
by means of educational activities related to the worlds of commerce, religion and politics.
Contact : Giorgio FRANCHETTI – +39 338 414 11 91 – info@legiodecima.it
LIGURES VELEIATES (APS Popolo di Brig), Vimercate
Since 2004, this association offers, for didactic purposes and based on historical and archaeological
research data, a reconstitution of the military and civilian life of the Ligurians living in the Apennines in the
3rd century BC. It also offers, under the name of Teuta Brig, a reconstitution of the Cisalpine Gauls of the
same era.
Contact : Livio ASTA – +39 333 755 46 80 - info@popolodibrig.it
NINUPHAR EVENTI (Dancers), Rome
The association Nenuphar Eventi was founded in 2011 by Serena Piccolomini, a professional dancer. The
association performs at historical cultural events with an emphasis on the dance of the ancient Roman and
medieval periods. Members of the association also include a group of five professional oriental dancers.
Contact : Serena PICCOLOMINI – +39 345 611 92 80 – serenapiccolomini@virgilio.it
OKELUM – VENIA TAURISCI, Turin
Established in 2011, this cultural association from Turin evokes the successive phases of the life of the
Taurisci Celtic population in the 4th-3rd century BC, the 1st century BC, and the 1st century AD. Now
Romanized, the association collaborates with several museums.
Contact : Gianfranco BONGIOANNI – +39 335 571 02 58 – gianfrancobongioanni@alice.it
ROMANITAS-PACTUM, Rome
The association recreates the guard of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121 AD – 180 AD) represented by V
Cohors Praetoria, the spearhead of the association. The symbol of the Praetorian Guard is the scorpion,
emblem of the Emperor Tiberius, architect of the construction of the famous Castra Praetoria of Rome.
Contact : Silvia VINCENZI – +39.328.941.67.20 – romanitas2010@gmail.com
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SIMMACHIA ELLENON, Fano
A group engaged in history and experimental archaeology (7th – 3rd century BC). This year, they appear at
Nîmes with a reconstitution of a troop of Carthaginian soldiers.
Contact : Marco GIORDANI – +39 380 899 42 20 – info.simmachia@gmail.com
« SIPPE ULFSON », INSTITUTE OF EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORICAL
RECONSTRUCTION, Modène
The Association was founded in 2008 with the aim of reconstituting as faithfully as possible three
populations: a group of mercenaries from the Volcae tribe of the 3rd century AD, a Germanic comitatus of
the 1st century AD, and a group of Celtiberian warriors belonging to the army of Hannibal Barca.
Contact : Massimiliano SALVIATI – +39. 328. 175. 62. 97 – sippe_ulfson@hotmail.it
SULIIS AS TORC, Vicenza
Founded in 2007, this association re-creates pre-Roman populations that lived within the region of Veneto
(ancient Venetians, Celts). Since 2010, the association has begun to reconstitute the Balearic rebels,
employed notably by Hannibal’s army.
Contact : Andrea SPIGOLON – andreatheskull@gmail.com
TORC NA MOIRE (EPIKA), Ancona
Group specialized in protohistorical re-enactment, in particular the Gallic Senones mercenaries in the
fourth century BC. The Association is particularly involved in the reconstitution of the combat techniques
of Antiquity.
Contact : Andre RECCHI – +39.348.481.50.26 – info@recchiandrea.it
XIII LEGIO GEMINA – RUBICO, Torriana
This troupe re-enacts the day-to-day life of a Roman legion from the 1st century AD, the Legio XIII Gemina
to be specific. It constitutes experimental archeology that draws on ancient and modern sources as well as
on advice from experts. It also works together with museums to replicate archeological artifacts faithfully.
Contact : Denis PASINI – +39.338.765.45.21 – legioxiiirubico@gmail.com
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LIVE EVENTS AND SHOWS
ORGANIZED BY THE CITY OF NÎMES
Free live events and shows organized by the City of Nimes Cultural Department, its heritage section and
the Archaeological Museum.
Free admittance limited to availability of seats
While the Great Games in the amphitheatre are at the core of the celebrations during the Roman Days on
2nd and 3rd May 2015, the shows, live events, workshops and exhibitions put on by the Department of
Culture play a strong role in the celebration of Roman life, particularly as they are free. From the Fontaine
gardens to the museum of archaeology, over the two days there are numerous events to be enjoyed.
 In the Fontaine gardens, Quai de la Fontaine
SHOWS
« The Caius Affair »
A whodunit show
An “Antiquity-style” detective story, a participative and amusing and theatrical adventure, designed for
learning whilst having fun... Budding detectives and (hi)story buffs take note! An entertainment in the
form of a collective inquiry, freely adapted from the best-selling young people’s novels of Henry Winterfeld.
Cie La Nouvelle Fabrique - Suitable for the whole family (from 8 years old)
Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm – Duration : 1 hour
The surveyors of the invisible
Itinerant show
Performance-invocation to the imagination
It is said that two thousand years ago around this sacred source, there stood an augusteum, a theatre, etc.
The International Organization of Invisible and Fantasy Zones, is sending its teams into the heart of the
ancient sanctuary, to take measurements of absence, to rummage through layers of stories and to share a
living memory with the audience.
Cie 1er Siècle - Suitable for the whole family (from 8 years old)
Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 pm – Duration : 40 minutes
« Nemausa, back to the beginnings » - At the temple of Diana
Theatrical performance
Since time immemorial, Nemausa dwelt in the Jardins de la Fontaine, near to the Temple of Diana. She
was the spirit of the source, invisible but always present. By means of an improbable lunar conjunction,
she will now appear before the eyes of all, and reveal her daily life...
Cie EsKimo - Suitable for the whole family (from 10 years old)
Saturday and Sunday at 5 pm – Duration : 40 minutes
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ENTERTAINMENT FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN THE FONTAINE GARDENS
Limited to availability of seats
« Archaeological excavation workshops »
Two excavation trays for an initiation in archaeology: budding archaeologists will uncover the main room
and mosaic of a « Gallo-Roman domus », or bring to light buried skeletons from Antiquity...
INRAP Interregional Authority of the Mediterranean - For a young audience from 6 to 12 years old
Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm near to the Grand mur (Great wall)
Duration : about 45 minutes – Tickets for participation available on-site at 2 pm
« The gods at your fingertips » - At the temple of Diana
Discover Gallo-Roman mythology for children and adults by means of an entertaining activity that
combines a puppet-making workshop and a story tale.
Association Alohomora - Suitable for everybody
Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm
Making laurel and golden wreaths
Create your own crown of laurels or your golden wreaths.
For a young audience from 7 years old
Colouring and collage
Decorate the plant frieze on the walls of the nymphaeum.
For a young audience from 3 years old
Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm near to the Grand mur (Great wall)
« Roman games »
Discover the games that were in fashion 2000 years ago : Walnuts, knucklebones, latrones, the delta
game, etc. Games of strategy, skill or chance.
Suitable for everybody
Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm near to the Grand mur (Great wall)
Building like the Romans – A Kapla workshop
With the help of thousands of small planks, join in the construction of towers, temples, and a replica of
the Pont du Gard aqueduct.
Part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the inclusion of the Pont du Gard in the UNESCO World
Heritage list - For a young audience
Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm near to the Grand mur (Great wall)
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GUIDED VISITS
« The ancient sanctuary »
A tour with a lecturer-guide to discover the history of this ancient site.
Saturday and Sunday - Departure from the nymphaeum at 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm
« Roman Nîmes, the public monuments of the ancient city »
A tour with a lecturer-guide.
Saturday and Sunday - Departure from the Office de tourisme (6, rue Auguste) at 2:30 pm
 At the Archaeological Museum, 13 Boulevard Amiral Courbet
Exhibitions, events for young people, crafts, tasting, music...
CARTHAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGY
As part of the Great Roman Games, the Archaeological Museum is proposing to shed light on several
items of history by way of several major themes :
-
Hannibal and his journey
The military strategies developed by the Punic and Roman armies
The scientists, doctors, astronomers, botanists of Roman Africa
The North African mosaics, renowned works of the Empire
The imaginary meets the « heroes of Carthage » : Dido and Aeneas, Hannibal or Salammbô
Archaeological objects from the Carthaginian civilization (in particular its masks)
Landscapes of Roman Africa and the plants of this region
To make this historical and archaeological narration accessible to all, the archaeological museum is
proposing explanatory displays, models and mock-ups, children’s workshops as well as film shows.
ALSO COME AND DISCOVER...
1. A booklet on the history of Carthage.
Archaeological Museum – Available on request at the reception.
2. Carthaginian battles : a diorama narrated by singers and storytellers.
In the museum garden. Schedule available at the reception.
3. The honey plant garden.
Smell, observe, and discover the plants that perfume our honeys.
In the museum cloister – Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
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4. Roman beekeeping and apitherapy: a Carthaginian heritage.
In the museum cloister – Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
5. Musical tale of Carthage: Dido and Aeneas.
By the Skald Company
On the first floor of the museum – Saturday and Sunday, 3 shows per day. Program available at the
museum reception.
6. Réalisation participative d’une mosaïque de Carthage avec le public.
Par Christel Savarèse
Dans le cloître du musée – Samedi et dimanche de 10h à 18h.
7. Screening of the film Hannibal (1959) by C.L. Bragaglia, followed by a Carthaginian brunch.
Showing commented by Claude Aziza, followed by a brunch based on a Carthaginian tart
Sunday at 11 am - Meet in the first floor room of the museum at 10:45 am.
8. Children’s workshops (6-12 years): Making a Carthaginian mask.
By Françoise Rebord
Saturday and Sunday, workshops every hour. Free of charge and by reservation at the museum reception.
School sessions on Wednesday, April 29th.
9. Children’s workshops (3-6 years) : Picture colouring « The heroes of Carthage ».
In the museum cloister - Saturday and Sunday, workshops every hour.
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PRODUCER OF THE GREAT ROMAN GAMES
« Our aim is to help public institutions present their heritage and develop their reputation in cultural
circles and among tourists. We also aim to make access to culture more democratic and help our
children discover our history and our civilisation in remarkable cultural sites. »
Bruno Monnier, CEO and Founder of Culturespaces
Culturespaces produces and manages, with an ethical and professional approach, monuments,
museums and prestigious historic sites entrusted to it by public bodies and local authorities.
Culturespaces manages the following sites:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Jacquemart-André Museum, Paris (since 1996)
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (since 1992)
Greek Villa Kerylos, Beaulieu-sur-Mer (since 2001)
Caumont Centre d’Art, Aix-en-Provence (opening May 6th 2015)
Carrières de Lumières, Baux-de-Provence (since 2012)
Château des Baux-de-Provence (since 1993)
Roman Theatre of Orange (since 2002)
Nîmes Arena, the Square House, the Magne Tower (since 2006)
Cité de l’Automobile, Mulhouse (since 1999)
Cité du Train, Mulhouse (since 2005)
Culturespaces uses modern management methods in its work upgrading spaces and collections,
welcoming the general public, managing staff and all services, organising cultural activities and
temporary exhibitions and promoting sites at a national and international level. Culturespaces has
obtained ISO 9001 certification for its quality management system. To ensure that visits are always a
pleasure, the Culturespaces teams place quality of reception and cultural enrichment at the heart of all
their services to visitors. With 20 years of experience and 2 million visitors every year, Culturespaces is
the leading private organisation managing monuments and museums, and one of the leading European
players in cultural tourism. Our heritage must be preserved for future generations : that is why every
year Culturespaces contributes to financing restoration programmes for the monuments and
collections it has been entrusted to look after. Moreover, the Culturespaces Foundation, created under
the aegis of the Fondation du Patrimoine, has set itself the task of supporting initiatives that give
children access to culture.
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Culturespaces, keeping cultural heritage and history alive
Today living history is an increasingly important phenomenon of society and finds an ever greater echo
with the French public.
The British and the Americans are indisputably the pioneers of re-enactment. Begun in the 1960s to
celebrate the centenary of the American Civil War, these great gatherings of Confederates and Yanks
quickly gained in popularity and spread to other historic periods. The Napoleonic Wars, the Middle
Ages, the two World Wars and many other periods are now involved. These events can sometimes
bring together hundreds, even thousands of history enthusiasts who come together to the delight of the
general public. Whether at Waterloo, Hastings, Borodino or on the beaches of Normandy, these
enthusiasts from all sections of society dedicate a substantial portion of their free time to bringing the
past back to life in front of several thousands of spectators. In the 1970s, the English also broached
recreating living history with Roman legions. Since the first steps of the British group Ermine Street
Guard, ancient living history events have also spread across the Old World. Far from the rough
estimates and gladiators in pasteboard of the epics, these associations meticulously recreate history
and respond in their own way to the general public’s expectations concerning heritage.
For the sake of historic accuracy, some of these living history events are sometimes accompanied by
different researchers in experimental archaeology. In the field of ancient history alone, their
experiments have enabled significant progress to be made in what we know about the arts of all kinds of
ancient combat. The techniques of pugilists and Greek wrestlers, gladiators, Roman legionnaires and
cavalrymen, Celt warriors and hoplites are now infinitely better known, thanks to an approach that is far
more practical than theoretical. Long confused with historical re-enactment, experimental archaeology
differs from re-enactment in many ways.
Experimental archaeology enables experts to understand and analyse the technologies of vanished
civilisations. It has its roots in the need to concretely understand certain ancient texts and to check
hypotheses relating to the methods used to make ancient objects and tools discovered during
archaeological digs. Based on written sources, archaeological artefacts and iconographic sources, these
experiments are always grounded in a scientific methodology. Older than re-enactment, experimental
archaeology dates back to the 19th century.
Originally, this approach was used by Napoleon III to understand the functions and range of Roman
war machines from the time of Caesar. After the Second World War, prehistorians returned to these
methods. Lacking any written sources by definition, specialists in prehistory have made significant
progress in learning about our distant ancestors, by experimenting with some of their techniques.
More recently, these experiments have also succeeded in providing a lot of information on the Ancient
period, particularly in the field of fighting techniques. These experiments are also based on a wellthought-out reconstruction of the past, but they go a lot further in their approach. Indeed, the
experiments do not just offer an educational presentation of a gladiator or a legionnaire but also shed
light on the logic behind his equipment and the fighting techniques that resulted from it through a
concrete experiment.
26
From this point of view, the history department at the University of Nîmes is the only one in France to
offer classes in experimental archaeology that allow real progress in these areas and a rereading of
ancient sources dealing with these issues.
Far from betraying the monument with a pseudo-historical performance with no other aim than to
tirelessly repeat the same accepted ideas, the idea here is to bring these stones back to life with a
presentation that remains as close as possible to the reality. From Hadrian’s visit to Nîmes, vouched for
by an expert of ancient history, until the various times depicted in the show, everything is true to the
spirit of the Roman Games of the 2nd century AD. The only limits are those dictated by safety and the
current legislation. The set scene was developed in conjunction with historians from the University of
Nîmes in an educational spirit that enhances this lively architectural heritage.
Other than the educational and fun presentation of the
work of re-enactment groups throughout the day, the
final show also maintains its educational spirit.The
“praeco”, public crier in Ancient Rome, is a vital actor in
the games and will act as the audience’s guide through
each phase of the show. He will represent, today as in
the past, a vital link between the floor and the tiers.
During the games, the fate of defeated gladiators will not
be sealed by the eternal cliché, naturally false, of the
thumb down (who could count 25,000 thumbs in a few
minutes?). On May 4 and 5, the public can rediscover the
authentic gesture with which the Romans voted for
mercy or death for the defeated. Thus, whilst
witnessing a colourful show, the spectators of the Great
Games of Nîmes can contribute to an original historical
experiment.
Fabien Faizant : music for the show
Also involved in this adventure is Fabien Faizant, who works in the field of music and image. For the past
13 years he has collaborated with Eric Teyssier on historic projects via his structure, Chronomedia. Fabien
met Michael Couzigou in 2008 and, since 2009, has composed the pieces of music for the show and
enriched them every year according to the new tableaux.
« Culturespaces has always wanted to support the historic content of the Great Roman Games by offering
the audience a moment of intense emotion. The music is part of this, backed by a symphonic orchestra to
produce a powerful soundtrack, reminiscent of films at the cinema. This productive collaboration
reinforces the historic and cultural identity of the Great Roman Games », explains Fabien Faizant.
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VISUALS AVAILABLE FOR PRESS USE,
REGARDING THE PROMOTION OF THE EVENT
1. © V. Formica
2. © M. Fasol
3. © M. Fasol
4. © M. Fasol
5. © M. Fasol
6. © V. Formica
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7. © V. Formica
8. © M. Fasol
9. © M. Fasol
10. © V. Chambon
11. © M. Fasol
12. © V. Formica
29
15. © M. Fasol
13. © M. Fasol
16. © M. Fasol
14. © M. Fasol
17. © M. Fasol
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PARTNERS OF THE GREAT ROMAN GAMES 2015
Organisers
Partners
31
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening times
Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 May 2015
9:30 am : tills open
2:30 pm : Amphitheatre gates open
3:30 pm : beginning of the show in the
Arena of Nîmes
How to purchase your ticket?
Tickets on sale at the ticket offices and
online.
Tickets on sale at the different ticket offices
of the Arena on 1st, 2nd and 3rd May 2015
from 9:30 am to 6 pm.
The Maison Carrée is open from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm and the Tour Magne from 9 am to 6:30
pm. For further information : + 33 (0) 4 66 21 82 56
Rates
Ticket valid for the show “The Great Roman Games” in the Amphitheatre on either 2 or 3 May
(your choice). Three types of tickets are available :
INDIVIDUALS
 CAT. 3 – Non-allocated seating
Full rate : 10 € / Reduced rate (-12 ans) : 5 €
Free for children under the age of 4 (on the parents’ knees)
 CAT. 2 – Allocated seating
Including :
• a poster of the Great Roman Games, to be picked up on the spot the day of the show at the InfoPresse tent situated on the forecourt of the Arena.
Full rate : 25 € / Reduced rate (-12 ans) : 15 €
Free for children under the age of 4 (on the parents’ knees)
 CAT. 1 – Allocated seating, golden square
Including :
• a poster of the Great Roman Games and a Gladiator’s medal « Monnaie de Paris », to be picked
up on the spot the day of the show at the Info-Presse tent situated on the forecourt of the Arena.
Full rate : 45 € / Reduced rate (-12 ans) : 23 €
Free for children under the age of 4 (on the parents’ knees)
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Rates
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME
On presentation of a return TER train ticket for Nîmes on 2 or 3 May
2015, bought online (and printed on an A4 sheet of paper) at the
Amphitheatre ticket office, when you buy 1 ticket for the « Great
Roman Games » at full price, you can buy up to 3 additional tickets at
the reduced rate.
GROUPS
A reduced rate will apply when purchasing a minimum of 20 tickets in CAT. 2 and 1 :
- CAT. 2 : 15 €/person (adults or children)
- CAT. 1 : 23 €/person (adults or children)
Contact Ariane at +33 (0) 4 91 60 99 44 or by email : adam.ce@wanadoo.fr
Group tickets can also be purchased in the following shops: FNAC, Géant, Auchan and Carrefour.
Nemausus the birth of Nîmes
And don’t miss the film Nemausus, the birth of Nîmes, currently
being screened at the Maison Carrée. Immerse yourself into the
story of the founding of Nîmes : from the Celtic oppidum to
Romanisation during the Roman Empire, follow the destinies of a
local family who forged the ancient history of this city.
PRESS CONTACT
For any further information or pictures, feel free to contact :
C.C 21/04/15
Michael Couzigou, director of the Amphitheatre, Maison Carrée and Tour Magne
Tél. : + 33 (0) 6 72 56 74 94
Email : couzigou@arenes-nimes.com
Romane Dargent, press and partnership manager
Tél. : + 33 (0) 6 43 95 57 77
Email : dargent@culturespaces.com
Thank you to the Lycée Saint Vincent de Paul and the BTS Tourisme of Nîmes for its help in the public
reception.
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