[Vidéo] Theatrical tours to discover the Nîmes Arena in a different way – News – Nîmes

From July 1st to August 31st, the Nîmes Arena invites you on a journey through the centuries with dramatized tours. Let yourself be guided, from Antiquity to the modern era, through the Middle Ages, to discover the history and secrets of the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world.

As soon as you pass through Gate 33 of the Arena, you are greeted by Lucius Pompeius, a retiarius gladiator. Armed with his net and trident, this atypical character guides you through the technical and architectural feats of the amphitheater. From the majestic arches to the stands that can accommodate up to 24,000 spectators, to the ingenuity of the Roman builders to evacuate rainwater, you will discover all the secrets of this emblematic monument.

Lucius Pompeius, a retiarius gladiator played here by Thomas, a preparatory student in Nîmes. © Adrien Valette.

A few meters further, Bernard Aton V de Trencavel, Viscount of Agde and Nîmes in the 12th century, immerses you in the heart of the Middle Ages. Alongside him, explore the arenas as they were at that time, when they housed several hundred houses. A reality difficult to imagine today, but brought to life by this noble character!

Bernard Aton V de Trencavel, Viscount of Agde and Nîmes, played here by Dalin, a history student at the University of Nîmes! © AV

The journey through time continues with Lucie Mazauric, wife of André Chamson. Daughter of Félix Mazauric, director of the archaeological museum at the beginning of the 20th century, Lucie shares with you the great adventure of the restoration of the monument and the first archaeological excavations.

The concept of Heritage

At this point in the visit, a pause is necessary to discuss the importance of preserving heritage. The notion of heritage is, in historical time, relatively recent. It appeared at the end of the 18th century, in the aftermath of the French Revolution, in response to the massive destruction of monuments and works of art. It was also at this time, in 1793 to be precise, that the term “vandalism” was created to denounce these acts. The property confiscated from the Church, the nobility and the Crown then acquired the status of “national property”, becoming the heritage of the Nation.

This movement led, in the middle of the 19th century, to the establishment of a real policy of heritage protection in France.

These dramatized visits, orchestrated by six young non-professional actors, most of them students in Nîmes, take you on a journey through the ages in a fun and educational way.

Useful information : Guided tours take place every day from July 1st to August 31st, at 10:30 am and 12:00 pm. The cost is €5, in addition to the entrance fee (free for children under 7).