THE Romans are coming back to York as part of the city's third Roman Festival.

Gladiators, soldiers, emperors and academics have been lined up to bring York's history to life next week.

A year in the planning, organisers believe this year's festival will be better than ever and bursting with all things Roman.

There will be gladiator competitions, chariot racing, wrestling, a Romans versus Barbarians battle, Roman talks, a Spirit Of The Lost Legion ghost event, music and dancing and a living history camp at Holy Trinity Church in Goodramgate.

Among the main attractions lined up for this year's extravaganza are Colligium Gladiatium - an 18-strong troop of trained gladiators from Hungary who will be engaged in combat in a purpose-built arena in St Sampson's Square on Saturday, August 6, and Sunday, August 7.

No aspect of Roman life will escape scrutiny including looking at what roman poo has to say about their diet.

Dr Andrew Jones from York Archaeological Trust will be at the Roman Bathhouse in St Sampson's Square at 11am and noon on Friday, August 5, taking a closer look. Tickets are £1.

Kicking off events in York on Thursday, Patrick Ottaway, head of fieldwork at the York Archaeological Trust and author of Roman York who will be signing his book and answering questions at Borders bookshop in Davygate.

History enthusiasts can learn about all corners of Eboracum in Patrick Ottaway's Roman York.

Dr Ottaway will be on hand between 6pm and 6.45pm and the event is free. Roman York is published by Tempus, price £17.99.

He will follow the book signing with a talk at the Fountain's Learning Centre at York St John College from 7.30pm to 9pm on Thursday. Tickets for that event priced £2.50 can be booked by phonng 01904 628343 or emailing YAT-Talk@yorkromanfestival.org

From Monday to Thursday, youngsters on their school holidays can take part in a whole host of activities on offer at Castle Howard including shield painting and weapon displays. Normal Castle Howard admission charges apply.

Festival secretary Nick Eggleton said: "We'll launch in York on Friday with lots of kids events such as making helmets, shields and togas, before an evening tour of York. The proper launch will be on Saturday when the re-enactors arrive. There will be lots of soldiers, gladiators, people singing and dancing, before a parade through York to the statue of Constantine and a march to St Sampson's Square.

"On Sunday, there will be a changing of the guard and then there will be wrestlers, a chariot race and lots of kids' activities in St Sampson's Square. It's going to be fun, educational and entertaining."

Anyone wishing to find out more can log on to www.yorkromanfestival.org

Updated: 11:11 Thursday, July 28, 2005