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The archaeological site of the Tossal de Manises will host gladiatorial wrestling shows starting this weekend in the framework of the VII Jornadas de Recreación Histórica "Lucentum Reviviscit". This initiative of the MARQ aims to enhance the value of this enclave and to complement the international exhibition "Gladiators. Heroes of the Coliseum" with new activities.
The Vice-President and Member of Parliament for Culture, Julia Parrahas presented what will be the largest recreation ever carried out at the site which will include the participation of 43 persons of the Cultural Association "Hispania Romana, a national association based in Toledo, and 15 extras belonging to the association Gesta Gladiatoria.
The head of Culture has highlighted the uniqueness of these representations that are an opportunity to approach the Roman city of Lucentum. "I would like to highlight the value of recalling the gladiator fights in an environment where 2,000 years ago they really took place because, where there were no amphitheatres, the Roman forum was the place where they were held. This fact brings greater realism and adds to the attractiveness of these recreations", he said.
Julia Parra has confirmed that the performances in Lucentum, which will begin next Saturday, will extend beyond this weekend. "The programme that is being prepared will cover the months of June, July, September and October, that is, during the whole period of the exhibition of 'Gladiators' at the MARQ", she explained.
Also the director of MARQ, Manuel OlcinaHe stressed the importance of the re-enactments, which are aimed at all audiences. "The aim is to represent live events with real people as closely as possible to reality and with the utmost rigour, without recreating violence," he explained.
The managing director of the MARQ Foundation, José Alberto CortésThe importance of having the collaboration of the the Hispania Romana Cultural Association, the doyenne of historical recreation and study of the Roman world.". For his part, the representative of this organisation, José LloretHe explained that with these actions "we want to promote the heritage and show all the process and rites surrounding the gladiators, from the hiring, burial and training, to the fights".
The theme will focus on the process of organising wrestling shows, the different types of gladiators and their equipment, training in the ludus and the rules and regulations of combat. Thus, the proposal will consist of four scenes to be shown: Recruitment (organisation of the show), Training (training and preparation session), Funus (funeral ceremony) and Gladiatorum munera (gladiatorial combat).
The first performances of Lucentum Reviviscit-2022 will take place on Saturday 14 May -from 10:30 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 20:00 hours- and the domingo 15 -from 10:30 to 13:00 hours- with a seating capacity of 250 persons maximum per pass. In addition, the price of each session will be three eurosfree of charge for children up to 7 years old, and tickets can be purchased at the MARQ ticket officesin its own Lucentum site (Tossal de Manises) or to via Instanticket. A sound system has been installed to allow all visitors to follow the performance in a site that is adapted for people with reduced mobility.
On the other hand, during this weekend there will remain the guided pass service has been abolished. and free visits to the site will not be allowed. Tickets can be purchased at the MARQ ticket offices, at the site and through Instanticket.
Programme of activities
In addition to the performances at the Lucentum archaeological site, the MARQ will develop "a wide-ranging cultural programme of great quality, worthy of a first-class tourist destination such as Alicante", announced Julia Parra. The exhibition "Gladiators. Heroes of the Colosseum" will be completed with round tables and scientific conferences. These will include a day of conferences which will take place in the first fortnight of October with Italian and Spanish specialists to analyse the figure of the gladiators and the amphitheatres as constructions of great architectural, cultural and social value.
It has also developed a extensive educational programme which will begin on 21 May and run until October.
More than 13,000 visits
Julia Parra confirmed that the exhibition 'Heroes of the Coliseum' has received more than 13,000 visitors since it opened on 13 April. "This is very good news to celebrate the first month of the exhibition, which has been a great success thanks to the MARQ team and the eight participating museums," said the deputy.
