I’m Roland Warzecha — professional illustrator and swordsman. The name Dimicator comes from the Latin for “sword fighter.” I share cutting-edge research into historical martial arts, focusing in particular on Viking and high medieval sword-and-shield combat. My work is carried out in collaboration with museums, fellow martial artists, and scholars around the world.
A Sword That Weighs 833 Grams — And a Bigger Question
Research Concept CompletedHello fellow (pre-)history enthusiasts, over the past months, I have brought together many strands of my work into a structured research concept on Bronze Age combat. At its core lies a simple question: how were these weapons actually used? By combining archaeological evidence, experimental testing, and practical martial expertise, the project aims to move beyond long-standing assumptions and towards a clearer understanding of prehistoric fighting techniques. I have also printed a small run and will soon begin presenting it. Text is in German but I provide the key points in English in an according post.
The complete concept is now available to according patron tiers as a downloadable PDF. On the Road: Jena and HalleWhen this newsletter reaches you, I will be on the road — first in Jena, and then in Halle at the State Museum of Prehistory. There, I will document a range of Bronze and Iron Age weapons, continuing the work that feeds directly into this research project. Opportunities like this are invaluable. They allow close study of original artefacts — something no photograph or publication can fully replace. And they are only possible thanks to your support on Patreon. A Remarkable Medieval Sword in MotionFinally, something for the medieval sword geeks among us: A new video features a particularly delicate 12th/13th-century example. With an overall length of just 85.2 cm and a weight of 833 grams, it is exceptionally light and agile — fast in the hand, though with less blade presence than heavier examples. Actually quite similar to training swords by Landsknecht Emporium presented here. The blade itself is equally intriguing: a short fuller, a lenticular profile, and a notably acute point. Whether these proportions reflect its original form remains an open question — and one worth exploring further. You can watch the video via the link below. Depending on your access, you will see either a preview or the full version.
My full-size illustration of the sword with all relevant data is available to according patron tiers. For more life-size drawings, visit my shop. Take care, and keep your blade well-honed. Roland P. S. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please recommend it to your friends. They can sign up here or on my website. Or simply forward them this email. Improve your skills with our sword-and-buckler online courses. If you wish to read more, find hundreds of related posts on my Patreon. Special thanks to all my loyal supporters on Patreon – you keep me going! And if you are not a patron yet, you are most welcome to join. If you feel like dropping a coin into my tip jar, you can do so here. Thank you for your time and your interest. Yours, Roland You are receiving this newsletter because you have signed up for it, or because you have previously expressed your interest in my work and events. If you prefer to not receive further emails, you can unsubscribe below. |
Dimicator
I’m Roland Warzecha — professional illustrator and swordsman. The name Dimicator comes from the Latin for “sword fighter.” I share cutting-edge research into historical martial arts, focusing in particular on Viking and high medieval sword-and-shield combat. My work is carried out in collaboration with museums, fellow martial artists, and scholars around the world.
Shield Combat: Prehistoric, Viking, Medieval ⚔️ Hello fellow fighters, history enthusiasts, and shield bearers,🛡️ spring is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to take shields in hand — whether in the field, in study, or in imagination. Hedeby This Weekend The Hedeby Bouts will take place this weekend, 18–19 April 2026, at the Wikinger Häuser Haithabu. Participants from Denmark and Germany will gather for training, exchange, and, of course, a fair amount of good-humoured martial...
Prehistoric Belief, Bronze Age Design and Imperial Remains Documenting a Late Bronze Age sword at the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle. Hello fellow (pre-)history enthusiasts, from time to time, closer inspection of artefacts reveals patterns that are as simple as they are profound. At other times, new discoveries remind us how complex and layered our understanding of the past has become. This issue brings together both: geometry and belief, craftsmanship and power — and the enduring human...
Continuity in European Combat Arts? Hello fellow sword enthusiasts, researchers, and fighters, How did people actually fight in close combat 3,000 years ago—and how much of that knowledge survived into the age of the fechtbücher? Mycenaean imagery occassionally shows an overhand thrust known as oberstich in late medieval German combat treatises Recently, a viewer asked why I do not demonstrate the use of Bronze Age swords with what he called a “hammer grip” — essentially gripping the weapon...