13.08.2025.
On Tuesday, August the 12th, the spirit of antiquity was revived in the amphitheatre at the ancient Roman military camp of Burnum at the seventeenth edition of the Burnum Ides, which this year also attracted numerous enthusiastic visitors
On Tuesday, August the 12th, the spirit of antiquity was revived in the amphitheatre at the ancient Roman military camp of Burnum at the seventeenth edition of the Burnum Ides, which this year also attracted numerous enthusiastic visitors
Under the slogan “Vivere est militare” (To live is to fight), this year’s Ides took the audience on a journey into the everyday life of Roman legionaries – from military exercises, habits and games, to moments of relaxation outside of military duties.
Visitors had the opportunity to see authentic depictions of the life of Roman soldiers, try their hand at workshops for children and adults, make mosaics, write on wax tablets, play ancient games, and taste food and beverages prepared according to ancient Roman recipes.
The central event of the evening was the staging of “The Heart is Mightier than the Sword“, which brought together a large ensemble of actors, historical associations, gladiators, dancers, and jugglers from all parts of Croatia. The author and director Petra B. Blašković created an interactive experience in which the viewers witnessed the life of a military camp, intertwined with the main story, which took us back to the time of the conflict between the Romans and the Delmatae. The message of hope and love, as universal values that triumph, was sent from the stage and resonated strongly among the audience, who rewarded the performance with prolonged applause.
The evening was rounded off with a concert by Damir Urban & 4 and a string quartet. Urban’s haunting music perfectly blended contemporary sounds with the timeless beauty of the ancient amphitheater, creating a unique atmosphere under the clear starry sky.
This year, the Burnum Ides have once again shown that they are not just an event, but a living link between the past and the present, an event in which the natural features of the Krka National Park meet the ancient heritage, and art and history merge into an unforgettable experience.