The ninth Roman games will feature more than 800 participants from six countries, who will revive the culture of what used to be known as Poetovio.

The festival recreates the story of this north-eastern town from 2,000 years ago, when Poetovio was a military outpost, which grew into an important trade and crafts town.

The Roman camp, which got a permanent location in the Štuki borough this year, will officially be consecrated today and opened with an evening party.

As in previous years, a three-day children's camp will start on Friday, at which participants will be able to experience the Roman way of life and habits first-hand. A party featuring fire breathers and veiled dancers is scheduled for the evening.

The central event on Saturday will be a procession in the streets of Ptuj, which traditionally also includes locals dressed as Romans.

The dance of the vestal virgins will also be presented, as will gladiator fights and other Roman games. Visitors will be treated to Roman dishes and drinks and be given a chance to dress up as Romans themselves.

A varied programme for families and children throughout the day is also planned for Sunday.

The organisers hope the festival will boost tourism and hope to keep the camp open longer in the coming years, possibly from May to October.