A MUSEUM is to reveal the story of its own Roman gladiator, whose skeleton was discovered buried beneath the grounds of its building.

The ancient discovery was unearthed during an excavation in 2010 underneath the Yorkshire Museum in York, which was being renovated at the time.

It has led to some experts suggesting a Roman amphitheatre once stood on the site of the Museum Gardens.

Now the organisation plans to celebrate its gladiatorial heritage later this month.

Curators at the museum will tell the story of the gladiator – a man aged between 36 and 45 whose skeleton shows signs of repetitive sword training and his violent death.

There will be Roman object handling and a gladiator trail around the Roman galleries, before an Italian-themed buffet is served.

Visitors will then head to the museum’s own cinema to enjoy the 2000 classic Gladiator on the big screen.

Natalie McCaul, curator of archaeology, said: “It is often forgotten that gladiators lived, fought and died right here in York for hundreds of years during the Roman occupation. “There are theories that the amphitheatre in which they would do battle was actually somewhere in the grounds of York Museum Gardens where the museum now stands.

“This one-off event will give people the chance to get closer to our Roman collections and also see the skeleton of what could very well be York’s very own gladiator.”

The event is taking place on November 21. Doors are 6:30pm, with the buffet at 6:45pm and film at 7:45pm. Tickets cost £15 including the buffet. To book call: 01904-687671 or email; yorkvenues@ymt.org.uk