Complete with gladiator fights, chariot races and a haughty Egyptian pharaoh - this celebration of Roman life was a true feast for the senses. The Great Roman Games in the amphitheatre at Nimes, France, saw tens of thousands of spectators flock to an annual celebration of one of the world's greatest civilisations.
More than volunteers came from all over Europe to act in the event, which is put on to attract tourists interested in Roman history.
Scroll down for video. Volunteers take part in hand-to-hand combat in Nimes Arena. In the Roman period, gladiators were often slaves who were forced to fight each other to the death.
But some gladiators actually chose to fight, and those who were the most successful became rich and famous. The Roman Empire is often remembered for its great works of civilisation, such as baths, underfloor heating and mosaics.
But the Games celebrated a more brutal side to life under the emperors. This year - the seventh edition of the event - was themed around Cleopatra, the last queen of Ancient Egypt.
