Roman Coliseum to host gladiator events

ROME, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The Roman Coliseum will host several re-enactments next year of the gladiator battles made famous by the Roman Empire, a Rome City Council official says.

Council head of archaeology Umberto Broccoli said to honor the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Emperor Vespasian, visitors to the historic site would be able to witness mock combats reminiscent of the infamous Coliseum battles, The Times of London said Friday.

Event organizers have yet to determine if the historic events will take place in the famed arena or outside it on a stage.

Broccoli said the orchestrated fights would involve authentic costumes and weapons in an attempt to educate visitors to the historic activity.

City officials told The Times they chose to organize the gladiator events instead of pop concerts in order to protect the Coliseum from potentially damaging vibrations caused by loud music.