Hello archaeology enthusiasts, fighters and fellow history aficionados,

there is quite a lot happening behind the scenes at the moment — from ancient weapons and practical martial arts research to medieval emperors and historical films.

So today, let me take you from a Late Bronze Age spearhead to an upcoming spear-and-shield course, two opportunities to train together, yesterday’s remarkable events in Magdeburg — and finally two film projects that I am very much looking forward to seeing.

Elegant and Lethal — A Bronze Age Spearhead

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to examine and document a Late Bronze Age spearhead at Jena University.

I have now made my Patreon post and brief video presentation public, so feel free to have a look — and share it if you know somebody who might enjoy a closer encounter with a weapon almost 3,000 years old.

Meet Arttu Peltoniemi

Of course, studying a spearhead immediately raises another question: how were weapons like this actually used with a shield?

This brings me to Finnish martial artist, dancer and researcher Arttu Peltoniemi, who has trained and coached spear-and-shield combat since 2009. As a member of Hirdmenn, his main focus over the past decade has been Iron Age combat, combining historical evidence with systematic practical experimentation and a sophisticated understanding of human movement.

I had long found this methodology compelling. When I finally experienced Arttu’s approach first-hand, I was fascinated by the way throwing, thrusting and shield control form a coherent martial framework that is fully in line with period iconography.

I am therefore very happy that his practical system will soon become available to a wider audience as an online course at the Dimicator School.

Everyone who joins the early-access list will also receive a free bonus gift at the end of the launch — whether you ultimately decide to buy the course or not.

Prefer to Train in Person?

There will also be opportunities to cross weapons in person this autumn.

I am currently preparing the registration forms and information for the Berlin Buckler Bouts on 21–22 November 2026. I will send you a brief note as soon as registration goes live.

If you do not want to wait until November, there are still places at the Ribe Bouts, 16–18 October 2026.

Ribe is rather different from an ordinary martial arts seminar: we combine intensive training with Viking Age living history in the reconstructed houses of Ribe VikingeCenter. It is an opportunity not merely to practise historical martial arts, but to explore them in an environment much closer to the material conditions in which such skills once existed.

To sign up simply reply to this email.

Otto the Great Returns to His Grave

Yesterday, 1 September, another chapter was added to the remarkable history of a man who died more than a thousand years ago.

Following the restoration of his grave and extensive scientific examination of his remains, Emperor Otto I — Otto the Great — was re-interred in Magdeburg Cathedral. His remains now rest in a newly made titanium coffin inside the restored medieval tomb.

I reported on the fascinating research into Otto’s remains earlier this year, including the genetic evidence confirming their identity and what the examinations reveal about the emperor as an actual human being rather than merely a historical figure.

If you would like to see yesterday’s event and learn more about the research, German public television covered the re-interment extensively. Here is a 3-minute video.

State archaeologist Harald Meller, who has been closely involved with the research, also deserves mentioning for an entirely different reason.

Last December, Harald and I recorded six episodes on sword morphology and Bronze Age combat. Those films are now in post-production, and I am very much looking forward to seeing the finished results. There is no release date yet, but I will of course let you know when that changes.

Exclusive Images from FIORE 2

Another film still awaiting its premiere is Alberto Mattea’s FIORE 2: The Lynx and the Viper.

I previously shared the teaser with you, but post-production is now almost complete. There is still no official release date, so we will have to remain patient a little longer. To get an idea of just how much effort and devotion goes into the project, look behind the scenes of part 1.

In the meantime, Alberto has kindly allowed me to share some exclusive screenshots from the film with you. Until now, these images have only been available to backers of the crowdfunding campaign. Alberto felt they were particularly suitable for giving you an impression of the finished film:

Alberto and his team have also been invited to Replicon in Prague, where both FIORE (2022) and FIORE 2: The Lynx and the Viper will be screened, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.

I have been happy to support and promote Alberto’s project because his ambition goes beyond putting historical fencing on screen. Together with his team of reenactors and volunteers, he is trying to create a convincing late-medieval world in which costume, material culture and martial arts belong together.

I am very much looking forward to seeing the finished film.

So there is plenty to look forward to this autumn. I will keep you in the loop. Thank you, as always, for following and supporting my work.

Spears up!

Roland

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