Ptuj returns to Ancient Roman times
Ptuj, 16 August - The city of Ptuj has turned into Poetovio for a few days as more than 800 participants from seven countries will make visitors feel how it was to live in Ancient Rome.
Ptuj
The 10th Roman Games in Ptuj in 2017.
Photo: Andreja Seršen Dobaj/STA
File photo
The annual Roman Games are bringing gladiators, legionaries, senators, vestal virgins and other Ancient Romans to to the streets of Ptuj from Thursday to Sunday.
The festival recreates the story of this north-eastern town from 2,000 years ago, when it was a military outpost, which grew into an important trade and crafts town.
It will culminate on Saturday with a parade in the streets of Ptuj and events in front of Town Hall and Orpheus Memorial featuring some 800 participants in Roman costumes. Visitors will also be able to try Roman dishes and drinks or dress like Ancient Romans.
The festival has been organised by the Poetovio LXIX association for the eleventh year running as one of the largest Ancient Roman shows in this part of Europe.
Its president Andrej Klasinc said their wish was present the history of Slovenia's oldest town.
This year's focus in on the Year of the Four Emperors, 69 AD, when four emperors ruled in succession: Galba, Otho, Vitellius and Vespasian.
With the festival, Ptuj is also launching the celebrations of 1,950 years since Ptuj was first mentioned in written documents, which will culminate next year.