Gladiators
National Roman Legion Museum
It’s that time again. Dai Pricedons his gladiator kit to ‘fight’ at the Roman Legionary Fortress of Isca, now known as Caerleon. He’s trained hard and aims to get the crowd behind him so today’s opponents should be justifiably nervous.
In addition to being a 1st century gladiator, Dai’s other challenge is being a 21st century Museum Manager. His passion for bringing history alive led him to introduce occasional combat re-enactment events at the National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon. Historical accuracy is matched by his desire to captivate audiences because, says Dai, ‘the more entertaining you are, the more engaged visitors will be’. So expect female gladiatrixes as well as the male version. Above all, be prepared for audience participation; choose a favourite and lend your vocal support!
Visit on quieter days and you’ll find Dai and his team helping visitors discover the many treasures at the National Roman Legion Museum, including the oldest recorded piece of writing in Wales and a dazzling gemstone collection.
Founded in AD75, Isca was the furthest outpost of the Roman Empire and the headquarters of the 5,000-strong 2nd Augustan Legion which sought to subdue the fierce local tribes and guard the region
for the next two centuries. It was one of only three permanent legionary fortresses in Britain and, unlike the sites at Chester and York which are deeply buried or disturbed, the remains at Caerleon lie beneath open ground which makes exploration relatively simple. So archaeologists continue to make significant finds (as featured in Channel 4’s Time Team) and visitors lose themselves as they delve into Caerleon’s amazing Roman sites.
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