Heavy ion collisions at high energy

A general overview is given of results in relativistic heavy ion physics, and its evolution since last ICHEP Conference. Hadronic spectra and particle rates are discussed, with particular emphasis on the strangeness enhancement. Low and intermediate mass dilepton production is reviewed, with indications of new phenomena related to hot and dense matter creation. Hidden charm vector meson absorption /suppression in hadron-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions is analysed. Finally, some suggestions for further experimental studies are given. (27 refs).