GLADIATORS fought to the death in a family re-enactment at the site of a Roman fortress in Newport.

The National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon High Street was the setting for a spectacular clash between enslaved armed fighters crossing swords for two fun-packed days out at the weekend.

Visitors had the chance to watch crafts like bone and metal working and choose their champions in a gladiator camp before the showdowns.

They also listened to gladiator tales in an amphitheatre, saw some Roman cooking and even had the opportunity to get temporary tattoos.

Families met and supported two teams of fictional gladiators including Lupus, a fearsome fighter paired with Attis, a wild and energetic gladiator easily distracted by shiny objects.

They also watched the grumpy gladiatrix Amazonia, Magnus, a lightly armoured fighter paired with Titan, a freed slave who joined the gladiator school to pay off gambling debts.

The “Death or Glory” event also gave visitors the chance to find out about the Caerleon fortress built around 75 AD.

It was one of just three permanent Roman fortifications in Roman Britain and remained in use for more than two centuries.

The National Roman Legion Museum lies inside the fortress remains and contains many artefacts from the period including currency and uniforms.

The museum is open Monday–Saturday 10am–5 pm, and 2pm–5pm on Sundays. For more information, call 029 2057 3550.