Ocriculum AD 168
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Heritage Medieval

Ocriculum AD 168

The reenactment of ancient Rome in the archaeological area of Ocriculum

Otricoli — Terni (055)
Dates 29 May — 31 May 2026
Location Otricoli (055)
Prices —
Status Confirmed

About Ocriculum AD 168

For three days at the end of May, the archaeological area of Ocriculum in Otricoli (TR) comes back to life as in the times of the Roman Empire. Military camps, gladiator fights, religious rites, music, and ancient cuisine transport visitors to the year 168 AD. The 2026 edition, the thirteenth, has the theme "Nunc est bibendum" and recounts the role of wine in Roman society through conferences, reenactments, and tastings among the monumental remains of the ancient city.

A Journey into Ancient Rome

Ocriculum AD 168 is the grand historical reenactment that annually brings the ancient Roman city of Ocriculum back to life, near the village of Otricoli, in the province of Terni. The event takes place within the Archaeological Area of Ocriculum, one of Umbria's best-preserved sites, featuring theaters, baths, and basilicas from the imperial era.

The 2026 Theme: Wine in Ancient Rome

The thirteenth edition's central theme is "Nunc est bibendum", exploring wine as a cultural, agricultural, economic, liturgical, and symbolic element of the Roman world: from production to consumption, and its ritual significance. The program alternates between academic sessions, such as the conference "Sapias, vina liques", with shows and tastings.

Camps, Gladiators, and Rites

Reenactment groups set up military camps faithful to historical sources, while the public witnesses gladiator combats, military competitions, religious rites like the suovetaurilia in honor of Jupiter and Bacchus, and ancient music and dances. Scenes of daily life, the thermopolium with ancient Roman cuisine, and guided tours complete the experience.

An Educational and Spectacular Event

Curated by the Associazione Culturale Ocriculum, the event combines historical accuracy with spectacle, becoming a benchmark for experimental archaeology enthusiasts in Umbria. This formula allows for an engaging discovery of the Otricoli territory's heritage, suitable for families.

Ocriculum AD 168 — edition 2026

The thirteenth edition of Ocriculum AD 168 takes place from May 29 to 31, 2026, in the archaeological area of Ocriculum, with the theme "Nunc est bibendum" dedicated to wine in ancient Rome. Featuring scientific conferences, tastings, military camps, gladiator games, and religious rites, the event offers a weekend of living archaeology amidst the ruins of the ancient Roman city.

The 2026 edition, the thirteenth, of Ocriculum AD 168 is held from May 29 to 31 in the Archaeological Area of Ocriculum in Otricoli (TR). The chosen theme is "Nunc est bibendum" and revolves around the role of wine in the Roman world, explored in its cultural, agricultural, economic, liturgical, and symbolic dimensions.

Friday is dedicated to the opening with a scientific conference, a tasting of local wines, and the first shows; on Saturday and Sunday, the archaeological area comes alive from the morning with scenes of daily life, military camps, guided tours, religious rites, gladiator games, and evening shows. A formula that combines historical dissemination and entertainment for the whole family.

Programme Ocriculum AD 168 2026

Friday, May 29

  • 4:00 PM — Conference "Sapias, vina liques": history and production of wine, ceramics, ancient cuisine, and liturgical practices
  • 6:00 PM — Free tasting of local wines
  • 8:00 PM — Opening of the thermopolium and concert by Altoforno

Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31

  • 10:00 AM — Opening with scenes of historical life, military camps, guided tours, and theatrical performances
  • 2:00 PM — Rite of the suovetaurilia in honor of Jupiter, Valentia, and Bacchus
  • 4:00 PM — Gladiator games and military competitions
  • From 6:00 PM — Evening theatrical performances and reenactments

Program includes ancient music and dances, craft demonstrations, and period cuisine. Details on ocriculum.it.

Highlights Ocriculum AD 168 2026

The conference "Sapias, vina liques", the rite of the suovetaurilia in honor of Jupiter and Bacchus, the gladiator games, and the concert by Altoforno.

Prices Ocriculum AD 168 2026

Friday free entry. Saturday and Sunday 5 euros per person, free for children under 12. Guided tours 5 euros per person.

Practical information — Ocriculum AD 168

Where

Archaeological Area of Ocriculum, Otricoli (TR), along the Tiber valley.

How to get there

By car: exit Magliano Sabina from the A1, then SS3 Flaminia. By train: Orte station, then bus connections.

Tickets

Friday free entry; Saturday and Sunday 5 euros per person, free for children under 12. Guided tours 5 euros per person.

Contacts

Associazione Culturale Ocriculum, tel. +39 338 7018510 / +39 334 1315564, [email protected], website ocriculum.it.

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Where does it take place — Ocriculum AD 168

Area Archeologica di Ocriculum

Contact Ocriculum AD 168

Tel
+39 338 7018510

Ocriculum AD 168 in brief

Gastronomy Heritage Medieval Historical reenactment Archaeology Folk traditions Outdoor Terni

History of Ocriculum AD 168