YOU could be forgiven for thinking you were back in the bloody days of Rome in Peterborough yesterday.
Men battled with swords, slaves were dragged along the ground, and crowds begged for more blood.

This was the scene created by UK-based Britannia re-enactors, who returned to Flag Fen during the bank holiday to perform their interpretation of gladiatorial games as they would have been staged in Britain about 1,800 years ago.

It saw a Londinium side pitted against a strong and powerful Durobrivae team. Crowds shouted for their favourites and jeered at those they wished to meet their maker.

Rita Healands, events co-ordinator at Flag Fen, in Northey Road, Peterborough, said: "This year's performance was witnessed by more than 1,400 people.

"The crowds really got into shouting for their side and had the chance to vote for the winner in each bout.

"The weather was an added bonus, and encouraged lots of people to come along."

Visitors also had the chance to view the gladiators' hospital where losers could be seen being patched up, with plenty of fake blood in evidence.

Britannia members have appeared in numerous TV programmes and films, including Ridley Scott's Gladiator, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, First Knight, and Boudicca.