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At almost the last minute we still managed to go to the Roman Weeks at ARCHEON. I promised Wim from Corbvlo that I'd make an appearance for at least a few days, and I had in mind to go at least five times, to see people I had met at Kalkriese, or to fill up the ranks if necessary. But with busy schedules and an untimely injury, it was the very last weekend before we we able to go.
Like last year, and the year before, the guests from the UK were the Legio II Augusta, The Antonine Guard, the gladiators from Ludus Gladiatorius, as well as the Colchester Society (who had already gone home when we got to go). nevertheless, there were plenty of people we had met at Kalkriese.

The kids wanted to dress up for the occasion, good 'Romans' as they are, so I went in style as well. The weather was fine, overcast from time to time, but with plenty of sunshine. Thankfully not as hot as in the past weeks, withe temperatures getting above the 30 degrees all too often.. The family had a good time, with the kids enjoying themselves very well. Also, it was nice to get so many compliments from the crowd.

Andreas and I went back the next day, to participate in the regular show as Late Roman. I had left the camera at home so, alas, no pictures of that day are available.

Dressing up..

For Jeroen, it's a first..

Getting my picture taken by none other than Jona Lendering! Result >

That's me; Valerius Vitalis.

Off into the Roman world!

Marrit gets her hair done by the ladies of Domina.

Meeting friends: Monty and Wim as Cornicus.

Wow, so this is your new blade? Gerard/Tiberius showing me his gladius. Jeroen is spellbound..

Well, this is the respectable couple (Hanneke & Erik), while on the right the Centurio is telling his slave off...

Visit to the baths.

Why did the Roman cross the street?

Well, to conquer it, of course!

Jeroen foolin' around at the oration. He tells he's a Roman to anyone who wants to hear it (or not).

Getting ready for the show. The kids are a bit tense.

The show starts with a short display of the cavalry.

Then the infantry enters, with the auxilia following the aquilifer and the legionairies forming the main body.

Today, Gerard is the aquilifer.

Jeroen is really enjoying the show up to now..

As do Marrit and my wife, Philippine.

Action! The auxilia start by harassing the public, wild louts as they are.

They seem to enjoy it, too!

Very much, I'd say.

The troops take the oath.

Then the infantry is trained, and the dust rises as they march back and forth..

The pride of the Empire.

Dust gets in your eyes.. The arena is very soft, and marching in step is really difficult.

And then they are ordered to run as well! Come on, you lazy good-fer-nothin' bums!

And as a finale, the troops get to fight, with today as an enemy.. the audience.

They don't know quite what to expect.

Detail of the troops.

The crowd loves it.

The proud commander..

Jeroen having fun.

Graham is Rotundus, the public's hero.

Wim doubles as a Praetorian as well.

One of the indigenous Romans.

Jeroen playing at the Forum.

Small talk with Tim of II Augusta.

More Roman parenting..

Family portrait.

Marrit behind the old shield, like she did 4 years ago.

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