THE skeletons of what are thought to be six Roman gladiators are the stars of an exhibition opening at the Corinium Museum this autumn.

Gladiators – A Cemetery of Secrets will give visitors a chance to learn about Roman life and consider evidence about the men and their deaths.

They were among eighty burials unearthed in York in 2004 from a Roman-age cemetery. Archaeological opinion varies on whether the men were soldiers, criminals, slaves or gladiators.

The exhibition presents the evidence, which includes scientific analysis, cut marks, animal bites and blunt force trauma to the bone.

Museum director Dr Katharine Walker said: "We aim to bring the Roman period to life and invite visitors to engage more closely with it through unique archaeological finds.

"Whatever their age, they will be able to assess the evidence for themselves through a range of AV material, including facial reconstructions, CT scans, and interviews, and deduce from their findings as to which skeletons were, in fact, gladiators!”

Watch out for Gladiator re-enactment days, a Gladiator School, a filmed British Sign Language tour of the exhibition, and more activities for children and adults.

The touring exhibition, staged by the Jorvik Group, runs in Cirencester from October 22 to April.

Jorvik's director of attractions Sarah Maltby, explains: “The Gladiators exhibition uncovers the stories of these men, drawing on historical and archaeological evidence to help us understand who the men were, where they came from as well as how they came to die in the dynamic Roman town of Eboracum.”

Cotswold District Councillor Jenny Forde added: “This is great news for Corinium, Cirencester, and the whole of the Cotswolds. I encourage local and wider visitors to pre-book their tickets to see this authentic and exciting experience of who were these people?”

Visit coriniummuseum.orgfor ticket information.