Roman Games, posted by Kebi

Music, Dance and Death !

A rather catchy title I thought and it really was a good description of the weekend. It was the first time I had seen a real arena games in the wonderful Amphitheatre at Deva (Chester to you Britons). What made it even more exciting was the presence of the Emperor Domitian. The girls were so excited and nervous to be performing for the Emperor!

The build up to the main event went on all day with dancing around the tent by Ya Raqs and demonstrations of war engines in the arena by the Roman soldiers. Our own Deva Victrix were joined by Deva Sempres, Legio VIII Augusta and the Irish detachment of Legio XX, just to remind the locals of the power of the army.

Then it was time for the show to begin. As a warm up two local Celtic criminals were thrown in and made to fight for their freedom, not that any was forthcoming for them as the bear that was added for good measure saw off both of them! Then a guard threw a child in! I thought that was going a bit far, but praise the Goddess the child tamed the bear. It was a wonder to behold.

My heart then swelled with pride to watch Meroe, Mish-Mish, Noor and Aziza dance to honour the gladiators about to fight for the entertainment of the emperor. The huge crowd hushed as the girls all dressed in white, with flowing silk scarves danced in the Roman style. The girls tied the colours to the arm of each gladiator, and the dance ended with a poignant last glance over their shoulders at the men about to die.

Noor and Meroe

Meroe, Mish-Mish, Aziza and Noor

I am not sure I can describe the actual fighting. All I will say is that the locals are very bloodthirsty and demanded many deaths. As the fighters rested, Ya Raqs danced in the middle of the amphitheatre in the Tunisian style. The day ended with a parade of the victors and I think the emperor was pleased.

The next day the Gods were not so kind and it rained, and rained and rained! The weather did stay dry long enough to hold the traditional march through the fortress and to show off the army’s new recruits. Some did seem rather young to me. I believe some parents from St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s RC Primary school, are hoping for a long and prosperous career for their children, or maybe they just want a bit of peace in the house. Anyway the children marched like professional soldiers. Their parents and teachers should be proud.

Kebi waits (and waits) for the rain to stop

Unfortunately the dreadful weather then closed in and meant most of the day was spent trying to stay dry. The archaeologists had an enormous tent which helped. They seemed to have a busy time explaining life in Deva to interested locals and tourists.

A high point was being able to surprise Meroe with a birthday celebration. Everyone sang and gave her a birthday cake. She was quite overwhelmed. It was lovely to watch her dance with the fantastic musicians Mazaj (Chas Whitaker and Maren Leug).

Meroe dances for the Emperor Domitian

All in all I think a wonderful time was had by all.

Kebi.