“The Roar of Tarraco”: New XR Experience at Tarragona Amphitheatre

(eap) The Roman amphitheatre in Tarragona was built directly by the sea in the 2^nd century AD and is today one of the most important archaeological monuments in the Catalan city. It forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a key place for all those interested in antiquity and Roman heritage. Until now, visitors have been able to experience cultural-historical tours and gladiator fights with actors there, among other things. Now, a modern digital format is being added to the amphitheatre’s offering: The Tarragona City Council and WeRiseUp – a joint venture between PortAventura World and Vekoma – are presenting “The Roar of Tarraco”, which they describe as the world’s first mixed reality experience in a Roman amphitheatre.

Using free-roam mixed reality headsets, visitors to the historic building can now also virtually immerse themselves in the approximately 2,000-year-old history of the ancient capital Tarraco, once part of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior, and experience a day of gladiatorial games. During the approximately twelve-minute experience, visitors take on the role of a “novicus”, an apprentice gladiator. They are accompanied by the character “Marcus Valerius Mesala”, the “editor muneris” of Tarraco, who introduces them to the secrets of the amphitheatre. Among other things, visitors will see the virtual reconstruction of a gladiator fight as well as an encounter with exotic animals from the perspective of the arena.

Technologically, The Roar of Tarraco is based on overlaying digital content onto the real environment of the historic building. Visitors are thus intended to continue perceiving the archaeological site as the original setting, while additional virtual content, spatial audio and synchronised narrative elements provide further historical context and staging. The project was implemented in collaboration with the company Spatial Voyagers.

According to the project partners, no permanent structural interventions in the amphitheatre were required for the development of the new offering. All equipment needed for operation is said to have been designed to be temporary and reversible. In addition, specialists and historians with ties to Tarragona’s cultural heritage were involved in the project in order to reconstruct the spaces and events depicted as historically accurately as possible.

The digital offering is aimed at tourists, families as well as school and student groups. The experience costs seven euros in addition to the regular admission price for the amphitheatre. ■