Siege of 320 BC

The re-enactment of ancient Luceria

The Siege of 320 BC is the historical re-enactment that transforms the Roman Augustan Amphitheatre of Lucera—in the heart of the Capitanata region near Foggia—into a stage for ancient Rome every September. For two days, this monument, one of the most important Roman amphitheatres in Puglia, pulses once again with the life, sounds, and battles of ancient Luceria, the Latin colony that in 320 BC served as the setting for one of the most famous episodes of the Samnite Wars.

History and memory of 320 BC

The event commemorates the siege conducted by the Romans against the Samnites in the years following the famous defeat at the Caudine Forks. The meticulously curated reconstruction brings to the stage the figure of the consul Lucius Papirius Cursor and the military events that shaped the city's destiny. It is a deep dive into history that blends philological rigor with spectacular flair, designed to help both adults and children understand the customs, traditions, and military strategies of the Roman era.

A program of battles and rites

The program alternates between spectacular performances and educational reconstructions. Among the most anticipated highlights are the Munera Augustea, spectacular bouts featuring champions from four rival cities of antiquity:

• Rome
• Luceria (Lucera)
• Beneventum (Benevento)
• Sipontum (Siponto)

Alongside the gladiator duels, the event features historical pageants, sacred rites, ancient dances, combat demonstrations, and visits to military encampments, where re-enactors showcase weapons, reconstructed costumes, and the daily life of legionaries. There is also 'archaeo-cuisine,' bringing the flavors and recipes of ancient Rome back to the table.

A collective project

The re-enactment is organized by the SPQL Gruppo Storico Lucerino APS, an association with over twenty years of experience in promoting Roman history, with the participation of historical groups, re-enactors, and associations from various Italian regions, and the official partnership of AICCSE ETS. The initiative enhances the historical identity of the Municipality of Lucera and the entire Puglia region, promoting the Augustan Amphitheatre as a symbolic site for Apulian culture and tourism.

An event for everyone

Thanks to free admission and the monumental setting of the amphitheatre, the Siege of 320 BC welcomes families, history enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike, offering a weekend of spectacle, memory, and experimental archaeology in the heart of the Capitanata.