Collisions of heavy ions (nuclei) at ultra-relativistic energies (sqrt(s_NN) >> 10 GeV per nucleon-nucleon collision in the centre of mass system) are regarded as a unique tool to produce in the laboratory a high energy density and high temperature state of strongly-interacting matter. In this short review, we will discuss the expected features of this hot and dense state, describe indications on its properties emerged from the experimental programs at the CERN-SPS and BNL-RHIC accelerators, and finally outlook the perspectives for the forthcoming heavy-ion runs at the CERN-LHC.
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