Roma Aeterna in Piazza Anco Marzio, Ostia: Saturday, November 7, 2026

Roma Aeterna brings a free village of ancient Rome to Ostia, in Piazza Anco Marzio, 00122 Rome (Ostia). The event runs from November 5 to 8, 2026: Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8, 2026 are the days of the historical parades, the gladiator fights and the closing ceremonies.

Updated November 6, 2026.

The event

For four days the square becomes a reconstructed Roman camp: a castrum with tents and military posts, a craft market, demonstrations of ancient trades, and music and dance performed with reconstructed instruments. The cultural and educational initiative is aimed at residents, families, students and history enthusiasts, and one of its purposes is to promote the historical heritage of Ostia.

Saturday, November 7, 2026 opens with the grand historical parade across the square, with legionaries, senators, gladiators, vestals, priests and common people, followed by legionary drills. The afternoon is devoted to Julius Caesar: first the reenactment of the Ides of March, with the assassination and the speeches of Brutus and Mark Antony, then the torchlit funeral procession, the funeral rite and the grand evening show "The Funeral of Caesar," with music, fire and the participation of all the historical groups.

Sunday, November 8, 2026 is the day of the final Armilustrium parade, a ritual procession dedicated to the god Mars, of gladiator fights with an explanation of the different categories of fighters, and of the legion's Sacramentum. The program also includes a talk with Sergio Iacomoni, president of the Gruppo Storico Romano, presenting his book "Io Nerone, la mia verità," the Terni Lapilli tournament and the sacred fire ceremony with the Vestals' farewell. The official closing is set for the evening.

The Thermopolium, a food area inspired by ancient taverns, is open every day with tastings and cooking shows of Roman recipes, while the gladiator school for children and the educational workshops are aimed at the youngest visitors.

Where it takes place: Piazza Anco Marzio, Ostia

Piazza Anco Marzio is one of the best-known squares in Ostia, the seaside district of Rome. Its name recalls Ancus Marcius, the fourth king of Rome, to whom tradition attributes the founding of Ostia at the mouth of the Tiber. To explore the area, see our page Ostia Lido: what to see, while the excavations of the ancient city are described on the pages about Ostia Antica and the Ostia Antica Village.

Practical information

• Dates: November 5 to 8, 2026 (Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8, 2026 in the program)
• Location: Piazza Anco Marzio, 00122 Rome (Ostia)
• Admission: free
• Contacts listed by Turismo Roma: acrlatorre@gmail.com, 348 3969146
• Getting there: use the ATAC route planner

Frequently asked questions about Roma Aeterna

Is Roma Aeterna free?

Yes, admission to the Roman village in Piazza Anco Marzio is free.

What can be seen on Saturday, November 7, 2026?

The grand historical parade, the legionary drills, the reenactment of the Ides of March, Julius Caesar's funeral procession and the evening show "The Funeral of Caesar."

Is there anything for children?

Yes, the gladiator school for children, the educational workshops and the play areas are part of the event.

Article written by the editorial team of Tour Leader Pro, contact them for Private/Corporate/V.I.P. Tours and Experiences.

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