Roman London's Amphitheatre opened to the public for the first time in 2,000 years today, 11 June.

The ruins of a segment of the arena, which would have seen battling gladiators and criminals being torn to pieces by wild animals in the second and third centuries, was discovered beneath Guildhall Yard in London in 1988.

Costs of the archaeological excavation reached £4m and a further £1.3m has been spent fitting out the 100m by 80m oval amphitheatre. Funding was provided by the Corporation of London - the local authority for the Square Mile, the borough where the amphitheatre was found.

Architect Branson Coates - which was responsible for the exterior of the Body Zone in the Millennium Dome - and Miller Construction have created a digital reconstruction of the whole amphitheatre, with the help of the sound of a cheering crowd at a gladiatorial contest.

Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Michael Oliver, said: 'Roman London's Amphitheatre offers a wonderful insight into life in Roman Britain. I am delighted with the way it has been displayed.'

Visitors can walk the 20m passage from the cells to the anteroom and through into the stadium itself and see 3D graphics of the arena in action.

On the weekend of 20 July, visitors will be able to see Britannia gladiators taking part in a series of Gladiatorial Combats organised by the Museum of London. Details: www.museumoflondon.org.uk