Gladiators will continue for another month at MARQ
In recent months, the MARQ Foundation has organized a series of immersive activities designed to illuminate the gladiator era of ancient Rome for visitors at the Lucentum site in Alicante. The events bring to life the intensity of ancient battles through historical reenactments staged in the sandy arena, inviting museum guests to witness how Rome’s fiercest fighters trained, fought, and lived. The program aims to provide a vivid connection between today’s audiences and the long arc of Roman history, transforming the site into a living classroom where stories of courage, strategy, and spectacle unfold before spectators.
On Saturday, October 22, a fresh recreation will debut at Lucentum. The Hispania Romana Historical Recreation Association will outline the daily life of gladiators, the different show formats presented in Roman colosseums, and the rules that governed combat. Attendees will gain insights into how these performances were organized, who participated, and the cultural significance they held within Roman society. This event promises a dynamic exploration of Roman entertainment and its impact on ancient communities.
250 people can be accommodated at 18.00. Experts from Hispania Romana will explain the various types of gladiators, their distinctive equipment, and the setting of the gladiator school. A practical training scene will illustrate how fighters prepared, while a demonstration will reveal the progression of a conflict inside the arena. The experience offers a rare glimpse into the discipline, technique, and timing required in Roman combat, making the past tangible for modern visitors.
Recreation of a gladiator fight in Lucentum.
During the VII Conference on Historical Recreation in the Lucentum area, the focus is on introducing Alicante and its visitors to Rome’s origins and to celebrate the city’s Roman heritage. The effort highlights the site, fosters appreciation for ancient remains, and shares the story of how Roman culture shaped the region. The event is supported by regional authorities with MARQ and the CV MARQ Foundation, underscoring the enduring appeal of classical history and its relevance today.
Colosseum Heroes, an international initiative, showcases exclusive artifacts from the gladiator world. The program brings together cultural institutions and experts to present a curated view of gladiatorial life and the artistry behind these performances. The collaboration emphasizes the broader spectrum of Roman entertainment, including the infrastructure of arenas, the technology of stagecraft, and the social dynamics surrounding the games.
140 reasons to explore the world of gladiators at MARQ
This proposal results from collaboration with leading cultural institutions across Italy. The Naples National Archaeological Museum and the Rome National Museum provide context on Arctic elements of ancient entertainment; archaeological parks such as the Colosseum in Rome, Paestum, Velia, and the Roman Amphitheater contribute architectural and historical perspectives. The Antiquarium Alda Levi in Milan, the National Archaeological Museum of Aquileia, the City Museum of Rieti, and the Sopraintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for Bologna and Modena regions add a wide spectrum of artifacts and narratives. These partnerships create a rich tapestry that helps modern visitors understand how gladiators fit into a broader Roman world, from daily life to ceremonial displays.
The collaboration also encompasses regional Italian institutions dedicated to archaeology, art, and landscape protection, weaving together stories of courage, craft, and spectacle. Through these connections, MARQ offers a comprehensive view of gladiatorial culture and its enduring imprint on European heritage. The initiative invites guests to reflect on the cultural continuity that links ancient Rome to present-day museums and heritage sites.
Source attribution: MARQ Foundation documentation and partnering museums.