In 2010AD, on Saturday, April 10, The Slave Army of Spartacus had a rematch with Crassus at the Palace Theatre, Newark, and dozens of people were keen to take part.

Organiser Shaun McLaughlin said: “The Roman Legionnaires stood motionless as the horde of the Slave Army advanced upon them.

“The mass of slaves, armed with captured or improvised weapons, knew that defeat for them was not the best option.

“As the forces closed, a volley of Pila — heavy throwing spears — came from the Roman ranks. The iron tipped missiles caused havoc amidst the dense mass of slaves.

“Ignoring the carnage, Spartacus urged his army forwards and the battle lines clashed, filling the air with the ringing of steel.

“During the fierce melee the disciplined might of Rome proved too much for the Slaves and the army rapidly crumbled under its onslaught.”

Shaun said the second encounter was a war game played on a table top, with realistic terrain.

He said: “The troops were white metal, lead, soldiers, assembled and painted by the opposing generals. With some accuracy, the pastime has been labelled chess with a thousand pieces and a battle can be fought with as many soldiers on either side as desired.

“This particular game used a rule system that gave points values to the forces involved. The game contained a deliberate mistake and visitors were able to enter a competition to find this error.

“The winners will be awarded two free tickets to the screening of Robin Hood, during the theatre’s autumn season.”