The Living Historians of the Sixth and Eleventh Imperial Legions of Rome, the Ludus Meridianus Gladiatores, and the Imperial Southern Provisional army, announce the Ninth annual Roman encampment and marketplace in South Carolina.

Castra Romana will be held November 13th at Givhans Ferry State Park, 746 Givhans Ferry Road, Ridgeville, South Carolina. Times are 10 am to 4 pm. Admission to the state park is $2 per person. There is no cost for the event itself, but a $5 donation for each family is recommended and used to offset the expense of the event.

The exhibits will include an authentic Roman Army camp, army drill demonstrations by authentically equipped Roman Legionaries and Centurions, legionary training exhibits, equipment and armor displays, gladius and pila demonstrations, Roman era artillery and engineers, and Roman Cavalry.  It will also feature soldiers' life exhibits and descriptions, gladiatorial games in the "arena", Roman era pottery and civilian demonstrations, papyrus writing examples, Biblical museum displays, Military games and competitions including mock combat, army pay and ration issues, guard mount, and much more. Young children will be able to enlist in the “Kids Cohort” and train with a Roman shield and (plastic) sword and participate in the Kids cohort Pay ceremony.

Those wishing a more in depth experience can actually join the Roman Army for a weekend by contacting organizers in advance. They specifically invite any reporters, writers, or journalists to be embedded for the weekend as a soldier of Rome. Persons who “embed” will have the opportunity to wear the armor, learn the drills, and participate as a Roman Legionary. Slots are limited, so you must contact the group as soon as possible at www.LEGVI.com.

Castra Romana presents an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to sample the history of the Roman World, which is in fact the beginning of western history. Attendees will see a modest re-creation of the army and empire that conquered the world. Striving to create a learning experience that involves all the senses, the Living Archeologists of Castra Romana extend an open invitation to schools, homeschool students, Scouting/adventure clubs, and educational institutions to attend. The Roman Army Festival will give the opportunity to see, smell, taste, and feel the history of an Empire that formed the bedrock of western society.

For more information on attending or to participate by embedding in the first professional army in history (or perhaps even as a Gladiator), contact Rusty Myers of Legio VI FFC, 104 Hunters Wood Drive, Summerville, SC (843).437.5587, or email JustusLonginus@aol.com. Please visit the websites: www.LegVI.com and www.CastraRomana.com and the CastraRomana yahoo group for updates.

The Best time for the public to attend is Saturday, 13 November from 10 am to 4 pm.

A photo CD of previous events is available by request to members of the press with permission to use granted by the copyright holders. Please contact the group at justuslonginus@aol.com to request one.