In 1986, the reconstruction of the West Gate was begun to give visitors an impression of the size and scale of Roman military architecture. In 2002 two further reconstructions were opened to show the very different living conditions of a normal soldier, a Centurion and a Commanding Officer.In 1986, the reconstruction of the West Gate was begun to give visitors an impression of the size and scale of Roman military architecture. In 2002 two further reconstructions were opened to show the very different living conditions of a normal soldier, a Centurion and a Commanding Officer.
In 1986, the reconstruction of the West Gate was begun to give visitors an impression of the size and scale of Roman military architecture. In 2002 two further reconstructions were opened to show the very different living conditions of a normal soldier, a Centurion and a Commanding Officer. | Other 3rd Party

Gladiators invade South Shields at the Arbeia Roman Festival

By James Barker
Published 4th Aug 2019, 08:00 GMT
Updated 6th Aug 2019, 11:13 GMT
South Shields was taken over by gladiators and historical characters as visitors flocked to the annual South Tyneside Roman Festival.

The festival, on Saturday August 3, was at Baring Street, and saw people taking part in training exercises and fights in an arena. While poetry sessions, archery classes and jewellery workshops took place around the rest of the grounds of the South Shields Roman fort.

The Arbeia Roman Festival included combat demonstrations from trained professionals. Arbeia once guarded the sea port and was the supply base for troops on Hadrian’s Wall

1. Families watch on as battle commenced

The Arbeia Roman Festival included combat demonstrations from trained professionals. Arbeia once guarded the sea port and was the supply base for troops on Hadrian’s Wall | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Chris Booth

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Built around AD160, Arbeia, South Shields’ Roman Fort once guarded the entrance to the River Tyne, playing an essential role in the mighty frontier system.

2. Families watched as combat commenced

Built around AD160, Arbeia, South Shields’ Roman Fort once guarded the entrance to the River Tyne, playing an essential role in the mighty frontier system. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Chris Booth

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The children were kitted up for battle as James Hobb shows off the gladiator's variety of equipment.

3. Even the little ones got in on the action

The children were kitted up for battle as James Hobb shows off the gladiator's variety of equipment. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Chris Booth

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Taking the burrs off a sword are Dylan Tams and Dean Paxton, showing the importance of weapon maintenance.

4. Maintaining the equipment is an important job

Taking the burrs off a sword are Dylan Tams and Dean Paxton, showing the importance of weapon maintenance. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Chris Booth

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