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.
Viking Highlights and Disappointments – Plus: Improve Your Sword Skills!
A Famous Viking Age Sword Made for a Left-HanderHello fellow sword and history enthusiasts, It’s not often that you get to see this exceptionally well-preserved sword outside the British Museum. With its wide fuller inscribed LEUTLRIT and an Anglo-Danish hilt adorned with geometric inlays, it is an outstanding piece. But what I find most intriguing are the subtle asymmetries in the hilt design—clearly intended to optimise the weapon for left-handed use.
A Splendid Right-Handed Viking Sword from PolandAnother impressive sword from the same era features a flamboyant, genuinely Scandinavian hilt (Petersen Type S / Geibig Combination Type 10) with comparable modifications—this time tailored for right-handed use. The weapon was tested, recorded and documented by aspiring archaeologist Harald Hrodberhtsson.
Now’s the Time to Improve Your Skill at ArmsCornelius and I continue to offer guidance on your path to sword-and-buckler mastery through our I.33 online courses—currently 15% off!
And remember: if it looks good, it’s probably correct! Waning Light: When the Viking Twilight Fails to ShineI recently visited Twilight of the Vikings in Schleswig—unfortunately, a missed opportunity. Instead of exploring the fascinating and turbulent local events of 1066, including the Slavic uprising and the fall of Hedeby, the exhibition focuses largely on the already well-trodden tale of the Norman conquest of England. There’s little context, no reconstructions, and awkward animations that leave visitors lost in a sea of artefacts. The exhibition fails to connect past and present in any meaningful way—despite a wealth of archaeological research waiting to be brought to life.
Come to Hedeby!The annual summer market at the reconstructed Viking houses in Hedeby starts tomorrow. I plan to visit in full Viking kit on Saturday. If you're around, come say hello and talk swords! Wishing you all a strong and sunny sword-and-shield summer! 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. Use the coupon code SUMMERWEDDING for a 15% discount. 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.
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....
Hello fellow history enthusiasts and blade aficionados, one of the great privileges of studying original weapons is that there are things an object can reveal in your hands which are remarkably difficult to recognise from photographs, measurements or typological descriptions alone. But researching an object is one thing; communicating what you have learned is another. Sometimes it takes a detailed drawing. Sometimes, video and photos would do the job — however, permission to share them with...
Hello fellow history enthusiasts and blade aficionados, The past fortnight has been wonderfully busy. From teaching at HEMA Camp 1387 in Lithuania and studying remarkable museum pieces to continuing several long-term research and reconstruction projects, there has been plenty to keep me occupied. I hope you'll enjoy the latest updates. A Week of Swords in Lithuania I have just returned from an unforgettable week in Lithuania, filled with fencing, research, museum visits, inspiring...