Experience Ancient Rome on Deribasivska Street
Roman legionnaires have been spotted on Deribasivska Street in Odessa. Photo: Novyny.LIVE
In the heart of Odessa, you can see Roman soldiers who will be staying here for two days. Helmets, armor, weapons, traditions, and authentic costumes – all of this will be available for viewing starting tomorrow. This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient Rome and learn more about the lives of Roman warriors.
Journalists from Novyny.LIVE visited the site and witnessed the ongoing preparations.
Open-Air Roman Camp
Roman soldiers are preparing outdoors, minting coins, and demonstrating weaponry skills in the center of Odessa. A real Roman camp has already been established on Deribasivska Street, which will remain for two days. Currently, preparations are in full swing: tents are being set up, armor is being displayed, and costumes are being fitted. Tomorrow, everything will operate at full capacity for visitors.
"We planned for our Roman camp to start working earlier, but the weather had other ideas. Tomorrow it will operate at full scale. We know that Romans had a presence in the Odessa region, so we are recreating their history here," said organizer Anatoliy Provchenko.
Authentic Costumes
The organizers have thought through every detail, from locations to costumes, from fasteners to threads that have their own history. However, sometimes choices have to be made about what to restore. According to reenactor Oleksandr, some items have "passports" that confirm their authenticity — including dating and archaeological sources.
"I am wearing a lorica segmentata, the armor of a Roman soldier. This is a gladius — a short, effective sword for thrusting. The shield is a scutum. This is how the Roman army looked in the time of Christ," said Oleksandr.
On Saturday and most of Sunday, everyone will have the chance to feel like part of the camp. Those who attend will be taught about armor and weapons and even allowed to experience being a legionnaire.
Grand Reconstruction
The grand finale will be a large-scale Easter reenactment, which has been held for over 12 years. This year, it takes on a special meaning — as an invitation to a deeper reflection on events from two millennia ago. In the very heart of modern Odessa, the world of antiquity will come to life, where every movement, costume, or replica is not just a decoration, but an attempt to feel the passage of history.
"There will be a grand Easter reenactment here. Imagine, all of Deribasivska will be filled with scenes. There will be six large stages where various events will take place. And it will all start with the grand entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem on a live donkey," said organizer Anatoliy.
Historical reenactment is not just a spectacular event; it is a true journey through time, allowing residents and visitors of Odessa not only to observe but also to personally touch the past, feel the rhythm of life of the Roman legion, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of antiquity.
