Hello fellow history enthusiasts and fighters,

from Roman reconstruction to actually picking up weapons ourselves, there is plenty to explore — and practise — this autumn. Here are the latest news and opportunities.

Is This Roman Properly Dressed?

A while ago, I shared an animation of the Roman legionary I originally illustrated for the Varus Battle museum in Kalkriese. It prompted some interesting questions.

Should he be wearing additional padding and pteruges underneath his segmented armour? And what colour is the correct choice for a legionary's tunic?

As it turns out, the answers are not always straightforward — and even well-informed interpretations of the evidence can point in different directions. My new, richly illustrated post looks at these questions and, more generally, at what archaeological reconstruction can and cannot tell us about the past.

And since I had far too much fun turning our legionary's wardrobe problems into a little comic, you can download the complete page for free:

​Roman_wardrobe_3K.pdf​

Shields at the Ready: Berlin & Ribe

Registration is now open for the 26th Berlin Buckler Bouts on 21–22 November 2026.

Once again, practitioners from different countries will meet for an action-packed weekend devoted to sword & buckler and related forms of shield combat. You can find everything you need to know about the event and registration in the post below.

But why wait until November?

In only four weeks, 16–18 October, we will meet at the Ribe Bouts, combining martial arts training with Viking Age living history in the reconstructed houses of Ribe VikingeCenter.

If that sounds like your kind of weekend, simply reply to this email to sign up. Don't wait too long — October is approaching fast!

Spear & Shield Is Almost Here

Meanwhile, there is plenty happening behind the scenes at the Dimicator Online School.​

Arttu Peltoniemi's spear-and-shield course is almost ready. In about two weeks, the wait will finally be over and we can make his practical system available to you.

If you haven't already joined the early-access list, there is still time. You will be among the first to get access, receive our best launch offer, and get the free bonus gift I promised everyone who signs up.

So, whether your preference is Roman armour, medieval sword & buckler or the much older combination of spear and shield, there should be something for you in the weeks ahead.

Thank you, as always, for following and supporting my work.

Spears up, and swords at the ready!

Roland

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