Blood, Sand and Stories: An Evening with Ben Kane

There's something irresistible about gladiators. Perhaps it's the drama of the arena, the clash of sword on shield, or the roar of the crowd baying for blood. Or perhaps it's simpler than that – perhaps we're drawn to stories of courage in the face of impossible odds, of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

This October, Cheshire West and Chester Libraries and West Cheshire Museums are bringing these stories to life as part of the 'Gladiators of Britain' exhibition at Grosvenor Museum. And who better to guide us through the blood-soaked sands of the arena than Sunday Times bestselling author Ben Kane?

The Man Behind the Myth

Ben Kane doesn't just write about history – he lives it. Born in Kenya, raised in Ireland, and now based in Somerset, Ben has travelled to more than 60 countries and all seven continents in pursuit of historical authenticity. He's not content to sit in libraries poring over dusty tomes (though he does plenty of that too). This is a man who has walked hundreds of miles in full Roman military gear, including the entire length of Hadrian's Wall, just to understand what it felt like to be a legionary on the march.

That dedication shows in his writing. Eleven of his nineteen novels have been Sunday Times Top Ten bestsellers. He's been published in fifteen countries and sold more than two million books worldwide. His readers don't just read about ancient Rome – they taste the dust of the Via Appia, feel the weight of a gladius in their hand, and hear the thunder of hobnailed sandals on cobblestones.

Two Nights, Two Different Journeys

We're fortunate enough to host Ben for not one but two events, each offering a unique window into the world of Roman gladiators.

On Wednesday 15 October at 7pm, Ben will be at the Grosvenor Museum for Blood on the Sand: Myth-busting Gladiators. If you think you know gladiators from Hollywood blockbusters, think again. The reality was far more complex, brutal, and fascinating than any film could capture. Were gladiators really slaves, or could free men choose the arena? Did emperors really decide life and death with a simple thumb gesture? What did gladiatorial combat actually look like? Ben will separate the facts from the fiction, drawing on years of meticulous research to reveal the truth behind the myths.

The following evening, Thursday 16 October at 7pm, Ben moves to Northwich Library at Weaver Hall Museum for The Spartacus Rebellion. This is the story that has captivated imaginations for two millennia – the Thracian gladiator who became Rome's worst nightmare. Spartacus led the most famous slave revolt in history, building an army of thousands and defeating Roman legions again and again. Ben has written two acclaimed novels about Spartacus (The Gladiator and Rebellion), and he'll be sharing the extraordinary historical reality behind the legend. What drove these men to rebel? How did a group of enslaved gladiators nearly bring Rome to its knees? And what does their story tell us about courage, freedom, and the human spirit?

As a special bonus, the Northwich event offers something extra for history enthusiasts. A travelling display of genuine Roman artefacts will be on show, including a Roman flagon, roof tiles, bowl, amphora neck, and a beautiful statuette of Venus. It's a rare opportunity to see and connect with objects that were held, used, and treasured by people living two thousand years ago.

An Author Worth Meeting

What makes Ben Kane special isn't just his commercial success or his dedication to research. It's his ability to make history feel urgent and alive. His characters aren't cardboard cut-outs marching through historical events – they're flesh and blood people with hopes, fears, loves and losses. They swear, they laugh, they make terrible decisions and somehow find their way through.

Ben understands that history isn't about dates and battles – it's about people. The legionary who's terrified before his first taste of combat. The gladiator who knows his next fight might be his last. The slave who dares to dream of freedom. These are the stories that matter, the ones that connect us across the centuries.

Don't Miss This

At just £5 per ticket, these events represent extraordinary value. You'll have the chance to hear from one of the UK's most successful historical novelists, learn about a fascinating period of history, and – if you wish – purchase books and have them signed by Ben himself. Whether you're a long-time fan of his work, a Roman history enthusiast, or simply curious about gladiators, these evenings promise to be both entertaining and enlightening.

The arena awaits. Will you answer the call?

An Evening in the Gladiatorial Arena with Sunday Times bestselling author Ben Kane

Wednesday 15 October, 7pm – Grosvenor Museum, Chester Blood on the Sand: Myth-busting Gladiators

Thursday 16 October, 7pm – Northwich Library at Weaver Hall Museum
The Spartacus Rebellion

Tickets: £5 per event Books available for purchase and signing

Book your tickets now at https://cwac.co/HAyw4

Part of the 'Gladiators of Britain' exhibition at Grosvenor Museum, kindly supported by The Forge Restaurant and Bar at Hotel Indigo in Chester.