Archaeologists recreate Roman gladiator school in Austria

VIENNA (AFP) - A team of archaeologists said on Wednesday they have discovered the almost complete remains of a Roman school of gladiators on the banks of the Danube in Austria and virtually recreated the site using sophisticated techniques.


The team, announcing their findings in the journal Antiquity, said the "spectacular" find at Carnuntum was mapped and virtually reconstructed using non-invasive techniques such as aerial surveys, electromagnetic induction and ground-penetrating radar.

"The resulting archaeological maps and plans of individual buildings, streets and Roman infrastructure allow the virtual reconstruction of the city layout and the development of ancient land- and townscapes in two and three dimensions," they said.

"Although some 100 ludi are thought to have existed in the Roman Empire, almost all have been destroyed or built over," said the team, from Austria, Belgium and Germany.



Its archeological park contains the ruins of amphiteatres, Roman baths and the remains of a monumental arch known as Heidentor.