Roman Legionnaires in the Heart of Odessa: A Historical Experience
Roman legionnaires have been spotted on Deribasivska Street in Odessa, where they will stay for two days. You can see their helmets, armor, weapons, and authentic costumes starting tomorrow. This is a unique opportunity to dive into the atmosphere of antiquity and learn more about the lives of Roman soldiers.
Journalists from Novyny.LIVE visited the site and witnessed the preparations taking place.
Roman Camp in the Open Air
Romans are setting up their camp outdoors, minting coins, and demonstrating weaponry right in the heart of Odessa. A real Roman camp is already operational on Deribasivska and will remain for two days. Currently, preparations are in full swing: tents are being set up, armor is being laid out, and costumes are being tried on. Tomorrow, everything will be fully operational for visitors.
"We intended to launch our Roman camp, but the weather interfered. Tomorrow it will operate at full capacity. We know that Romans were present in the Odessa region, so we are recreating their history here," said organizer Anatoliy Provchenko.
Authentic Costumes
Every detail of the preparations has been meticulously planned, from locations to costumes, from fasteners to threads that have their own historical significance. However, even in such cases, not everything can be recreated. According to reconstruction participant 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 sword - short and effective for thrusting attacks. The shield is a scutum. This is how the Roman army looked during the times of Christ," says Oleksandr.
On Saturday and most of Sunday, anyone interested will be able to feel like a part of the camp. Guests who attend will be informed about the armor and weapons and even have the chance to feel like a legionnaire.
The Grand Reconstruction
The grand finale will be a large-scale Easter reenactment that has been held for over 12 years. This year it takes on special significance - an invitation for deeper contemplation of events from two millennia ago. In the heart of modern Odessa, the world of antiquity will come alive, where every movement, costume, or line is not merely decoration but an attempt to touch the flow 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 hosting various events. And it will all begin with the grand entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem on a live donkey," said organizer Anatoliy.
Historical reenactment is not just a spectacular event but a true journey through time, allowing residents and guests of Odessa not only to observe but also to personally touch the past, feel the rhythm of the Roman legion's life, immerse themselves in the atmosphere of antiquity, and re-evaluate historical moments.
