Live Like a Roman with Roma on Fire
If you find yourself in Rome during the summer and want to experience an evening that is truly unique, immersing yourself in ancient Rome to feel as though you are walking among gladiators, then I am about to point you in the right direction. Get ready to become both spectator and judge of epic challenges from antiquity, where life and death are in your hands.
Imagine strolling among the majestic columns of ancient temples, witnessing gladiatorial spectacles in the Colosseum, and savoring culinary delights inspired by Apicius’ recipes. As the sun sets and the torches light up, the evening will come alive with music and dances echoing the festivities of ancient Roman celebrations.
It sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? The good news is you can experience this at Rome World Park. “Roma on Fire” is a spectacular reenactment of Ancient Rome that offers a complete immersion into the dynamic atmosphere of Imperial Rome, an era of grandeur filled with extraordinary events that shaped the history and culture of the Western world.
A ticket for the 9 PM “Roma on Fire” show costs €19 on the official website, or you can choose from various packages, such as admission to Rome World + “Roma on Fire” Show + Gladiator Dinner (€39), including options with overnight stays and breakfast at the park: https://www.romaworld.com/it. Parking is ample and located right in front of the entrance to Rome World.
Once inside, you will find a reconstruction of a Roman camp with a Market where you can rent traditional costumes, buy souvenirs, helmets, etc.; the dining area, a farm with animals, and various shows throughout the day. I arrived at 6 PM and attended the Gladiator Arena, with combat scenes that looked incredibly real, and if you have children, they will have a blast. The park also features archery, a gladiator school, a falconry show where you can get very close to the birds, a mosaic workshop, and a botanical tour.
One of the highlights for me was the dinner. Purchasing the ticket with the Gladiator Menu included, the portions were very generous and varied, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the red wine—it was excellent.
To conclude, at 9 PM, there is the evening show Roma on Fire, the crown jewel of the theme park. It lasts about an hour and is set on the famous Ben Hur movie set, with special effects and evocative music. I don’t want to spoil the surprise with too many details, but I assure you that no photo can do justice to this extraordinary experience.
Shows of Strength and Skill
To be well-prepared for the event, let’s take a brief look at the key spectacles of ancient Rome.
Among the most emblematic events were the Gladiatorial Games, held in grand amphitheaters like the Colosseum. These deadly combats saw gladiators from across the Empire facing each other or wild animals for the public’s excitement. These games were not just entertainment but also a demonstration of the Empire’s power and supremacy.
Triumphs were ceremonies celebrating a Roman general’s military victories. During these events, the victorious general paraded through the streets of Rome in a chariot drawn by white horses, surrounded by his soldiers and war trophies. This parade not only honored the general and his troops but also reinforced the bond between the leader and the city.
The Ludi Romani were religious and cultural festivals encompassing a wide range of events. These included theatrical performances, chariot races at the famous Circus Maximus, gladiatorial combats, and athletic competitions such as boxing and discus throwing. These festivals were moments of great celebration for the Roman people.
The Saturnalia were a period of festivity held at the end of December to honor the god Saturn. During these festivities, social classes temporarily reversed; slaves could wear luxurious clothing and join their masters for dinner, while social restrictions were eased, promoting equality and freedom.
Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for an extraordinary evening, this event promises to be a memorable journey into the heart of one of history’s most influential and fascinating civilizations. Recently, the TV series Those About to Die, featuring Anthony Hopkins, has been released, focusing on the spectacles of Ancient Rome and filmed primarily in the arena of Rome on Fire.
