In this blog, we'll be traversing the timeline. This blog serves as a guide for assembling your historical character, whether you're involved in Historical Fantasy, Historical LARP, or simply aiming to create a historical costume. Some periods and cultures are scarcely used within Living History and Re-enactment, while others are immensely popular. Reconstructing less popular cultures is both enjoyable and challenging. A significant hurdle is, for instance, the scarcity of artifacts made from the Villanova culture. In this blog, for each time period, we mention whether there are many artifacts available from that period to create an outfit. Additionally, I note if the time period is frequently represented in Living History and Re-enactment in case you're interested in participating.
Typically, it's a guide to maintaining your outfit with a hundred years' accuracy. Items remained in use for longer periods than nowadays. And basing it on originals found that are at least somewhat in the vicinity. How historically accurate you want your outfit to be is entirely up to you; we provide as many guidelines as possible for you to create in various ways.
Ancient Greece
Within Living History and Re-enactment, Ancient Greece isn't very popular. Nevertheless, there's a wide range of items from this time, making it no trouble to create a museum mannequin (even for home use).
History Summary
In Ancient Greece, a rich and influential period occurred that greatly impacted Western civilization. The Greek antiquity roughly spanned from the 8th century to the 1st century BC.
Greek civilization began with the rise of city-states, such as Athens and Sparta. Each of these city-states had its own system of government, laws, and culture. Athens was known for its democratic government, while Sparta was a military society.
The Greek antiquity is also characterized by the flourishing of Greek art and philosophy. Renowned philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle developed ideas about ethics, politics, and knowledge that remain influential to this day. Additionally, the ancient Greeks excelled in architecture, sculpture, and theater, with the Olympic Games being a significant sporting event.
The Greek antiquity ended with the conquest of Greece by the Macedonian Empire under the leadership of Alexander the Great. Alexander expanded his empire to Egypt, Persia, and India, spreading Greek culture across much of the eastern Mediterranean region. After Alexander's death, his empire fragmented, and Greece eventually became part of the Roman Empire.
Gaul (La Tène Period)
In some countries, Celtic or Gallic re-enactment is relatively popular. There is a wide range of items available to help you assemble your Gallic outfit. Note that most of the items made are primarily focused on the 1st - 2nd century BC, and as you approach the Hallstatt Period, the items become scarcer.
Historical Summary
The La Tène period was a cultural era that occurred in Europe between the 5th and 1st centuries BC.
During the La Tène period, Celtic culture emerged as a significant force in Europe. The Celts settled in large parts of Western and Central Europe, including Ireland and Great Britain, Gaul (modern-day France), the Alpine region, and parts of Eastern Europe.
Characteristic of the La Tène period was the refinement of Celtic art and craftsmanship. They produced beautiful jewelry, weapons, and utensils with complex patterns and intricate decorations. The Celts were renowned for their skills in metalworking, particularly in working with iron.
Celtic society was largely based on agriculture and animal husbandry, as well as trade and craftsmanship. They were known for their trade networks and their ability to travel over long distances. The Celts were also known for their martial skills and were feared by their neighbors for their courage and combat abilities.
The Celtic La Tène period gradually ended with the rise of the Roman Empire. Over time, Celtic territories were absorbed into the Roman Empire, leading to the disappearance of Celtic culture as it was known during the La Tène period.
Assembling
To assemble a Celtic outfit, we have introduced a 'timeline' filter function on our product overview pages.
View Celtic weapons here: Celtic Weapons
Explore Celtic jewelry here: Celtic Jewelry
Roman Republic Period
Despite this period being rarely approached in Living History & Re-enactment, there is a wide range of items available for assembling your Republican legionary. This period encompasses the Punic and Gallic wars, which, in my view, makes it particularly appealing. While you can put together Republican Roman outfits, the 1st century AD is more central in Re-enactment.
Historical Summary
The Roman Republican period lasted from 509 BC to 27 BC. It marked the transition from a monarchy to a republican form of government in which power was shared among various institutions and officials.
The Roman Republican era was characterized by expansion and imperialism. Rome steadily expanded its territory through military conquests and annexations. This period included significant conflicts such as the Punic Wars against Carthage and the conquest of large parts of Greece.
Political struggles and rivalry among various factions within Roman society were typical of the Republican period. Despite political unrest and domestic conflicts, the Roman Republic managed to build a powerful and influential empire. It laid the groundwork for the subsequent Roman Imperial period, which began with the rise of Augustus and the establishment of the Principate in 27 BC.
1st - 3rd Century AD Romans
This is by far the most popular Roman period. Understandably, the most impressive achievements and structures from Roman history date back to this period. Apart from an ample amount of items to assemble your outfit, we also offer a wide range of accessories from this period that provide more depth. For instance, you could set up a Roman perfumery in the Re-enactment field.
Historical Summary
This period began with the rise of Augustus as the first emperor of Rome in 27 BC. Augustus implemented crucial military reforms that laid the foundation for the success and stability of the Roman Empire. Under Augustus, the Roman army was reorganized and transformed into a well-oiled machine. He introduced the concept of a professionally standing army, consisting of legions of well-trained and well-equipped soldiers. These legions were divided into cohorts and maniples, with a standardized hierarchy and equipment. Alongside this reorganization, Augustus also instituted policies to ensure the loyalty and discipline of the soldiers. He implemented a system of pensions and rewards for veterans and enforced strict military codes of conduct.
However, despite these successes, the Roman Empire faced challenges and crises in the 3rd century AD. Economic issues, internal conflicts, and the pressure from invading barbarian tribes led to political instability and military unrest. This marked the beginning of a period of uncertainty and change in the Roman Empire known as the Crisis of the Third Century.
Assembling
To assemble a Roman outfit, we have introduced a 'timeline' filter function on our product overview pages.
Check out Roman weapons here: Roman Weapons
Explore Roman armor here: Roman Armor
Late Roman Period
This period is somewhat the neglected child of the Roman Empire but incredibly interesting. It's the era in which major population migrations occurred. Similar to the Republican period, there are plenty of items available to rather easily assemble a late Roman outfit. Moreover, you can use items widely used by Germanic tribes like the Alamanni, Franks, and Merovingians.
Historical Summary
This phase in the history of the Roman Empire lasted from the 3rd century AD until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. It was a time of significant change and challenges for the empire. This period was characterized by political instability, economic difficulties, and invasions by barbarian tribes. The Roman Empire faced internal power struggles, emperor usurpations, and divisions of the empire. The increasing pressure from Germanic tribes and invasions along the borders severely threatened the empire.
Religion also played a vital role during the late Roman period. Christianity, previously a persecuted minority religion, eventually became the official religion of the empire under Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century. This had a considerable impact on the society, culture, and politics of the empire.
In the late 4th and 5th centuries, the Western Roman Empire faced severe threats and invasions from Germanic tribes like the Visigoths, Vandals, and Ostrogoths. These tribes raided cities, caused significant damage, and ultimately weakened the central authority of the empire.
The late Roman period concluded with the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD when the Germanic warlord Odoacer deposed the last Roman emperor. However, the Eastern Roman Empire, known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to exist until the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
Early Middle Ages
I categorize this as late-Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, Frankish, Merovingian, and Vendel Period. This segment partially connects to Late Roman but is important to be mentioned separately. This period is often confused as part of the 'Viking period'. It's frequently enacted in Living History and Re-enactment. Many items are available for assembling a costume from this period, providing depth with appropriate brooches and other decorations mostly found in archaeological discoveries.
Historical Summary
The Great Migrations was a time of immense migration and change in Europe, occurring between the 4th and 8th centuries AD. Different Germanic tribes and other peoples were forced to migrate and inhabit new areas, resulting in significant political and cultural shifts.
A pivotal event during this period was the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons in Britain. Originating from Denmark and Germany, the Anglo-Saxons began their migration to Britain in the 5th century. They settled in various parts of the island and ultimately formed the foundation for the Anglo-Saxon kingdom, which later evolved into England.
Simultaneously, the Vandals invaded North Africa. The Vandal, a Germanic tribe, conquered the Roman province of Africa in 429 AD and established the Vandal Kingdom, notorious for its plundering and conquests in the region.
The Western Roman Empire was severely weakened by the invasions and ensuing political unrest. Ultimately, this led to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD.
The Vendel Period in Scandinavia occurred between the 6th and 8th centuries. The Scandinavian people were involved in both trade and warfare. They were known for their shipbuilding skills and were active traders in the area.
Assembling
To assemble an Early Middle Ages outfit, we have introduced a 'timeline' filter function on our product overview pages.
Explore Early Middle Ages clothing: Clothing
Discover Early Middle Ages weapons: Weapons
See Early Middle Ages jewelry: Jewelry
Viking Period
The Viking period covers the 8th century up to the latter half of the 11th century AD. This era is highly popular, offering a wide variety of options to create your Viking costume. It spans from a simple Viking attire (trousers, tunic, belt, leg wrappings, kaftan) to in-depth archaeological reconstructions of a Viking from the Birka region or even from Greenland. This period is frequently reenacted in Living History and Re-enactment.
Historical Summary
The Viking era, lasting from the 8th to the latter half of the 11th century, was characterized by the activities of the Vikings, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Baltic, Polish, and Swedish sailors, traders, farmers, and raiders who explored and colonized extensive parts of Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, portions of North America, and even regions of Asia.
The key to Viking success was their seaworthy ships, where the planks overlapped, enabling them to traverse long distances and navigate both rivers and open seas. They were notorious for their coastal raids on monasteries, towns, and villages, where they attacked and looted valuables.
But Vikings were also experienced traders, farmers, and settlers. They established trade posts and settlements in areas like Ireland, Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and North America, where they founded at least the settlement L'Anse aux Meadows. Vikings had a rich culture and were skilled in crafts like smithing and woodworking. They had a complex religion, worshiping gods such as Odin, Thor, and Freya, largely derived from their ancestors, the Germanic people. In later periods, the Viking descendants were also known for their literature, such as the Icelandic sagas, narrating stories of heroism, mythology, and historical events, offering an abundance of information about the Viking age.
In the late 10th century, Vikings started converting to Christianity and became more integrated into European society. They engaged in political alliances and trade networks and eventually settled as established communities. According to most guidelines, the Viking period ends with the conquest of England in 1066. However, the aftermath of their reign persisted in some areas until the 15th century.
Assembling
To assemble a Viking outfit, we have introduced a 'timeline' filter function on our product overview pages.
View Viking clothing: Clothing
Explore Viking weapons: Weapons
Discover Viking armor: Armor
11th-13th Century
A wealth of artifacts is available from this period, and it's not difficult to put together a complete historically accurate outfit, armor, or weaponry. However, in Living History and Re-enactment, this period is often underrepresented.
Historical Summary
The 11th to 13th century constituted a transitional period in European history, shaping and evolving medieval society. Political conflicts, religious movements like the Crusades, and cultural developments contributed to the formation of the European identity, laying the groundwork for further historical advancements in the later centuries.
In the 11th century, the Reconquista took place in Spain, with Christian kingdoms reclaiming the Iberian Peninsula from the Islamic Moorish rulers.
From the 11th century, the knightly class began to assume a prominent role in society. Knighthood had strong cultural and ethical connotations. Chivalry, with its codes of honor, courage, and courtesy, was considered an ideal behavior knights were expected to uphold. Much like the clergy, who acted as the secular intermediary between society and God. The knightly class was closely tied to the feudal system, where knights swore loyalty to a lord in exchange for land and protection. Thus emerged the fighting, working, and religious classes.
The 12th century saw the rise of medieval cities and the growth of trade and craftsmanship. The Crusades began in this century, with Christian military expeditions to the Holy Land to recapture it from the Muslims. Gothic architecture flourished with magnificent cathedrals, replacing the Romanesque art style developed by the Normans. In England, the Norman Conquest took place, bringing the Norman dynasty to the English throne and ending Saxon rule.
The 13th century marked a period of political and cultural changes. The Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan conquered vast parts of Asia and Eastern Europe. The rise of medieval universities in cities like Bologna, Paris, and Oxford promoted intellectual life and the study of philosophy, theology, and science. In England, the Magna Carta was signed, limiting the king's power and laying the groundwork for constitutional principles.
Assembling
To put together a Medieval outfit, we've added a 'timeline' filter function on our product overview pages.
Explore Medieval clothing: Clothing
Discover Medieval weapons: Weapons
See Medieval armor: Armor
14th Century
The reason the 14th century is mentioned separately is that there were so many changes that it cannot be placed in the same breath as the 13th century. Chainmail was gradually replaced by segmental steel armor. A broad range of items is available from this period. Although not many 14th-century armor parts have been found, we'll base our selections on manuscripts. The Hundred Years' War between France and England is commonly reenacted in this period, engaging various Living History groups.
Historical Summary
In the 14th century, Europe was ravaged by political unrest. The Holy Roman Empire experienced a period of power struggles and division, while in England, the Hundred Years' War began between England and France, lasting into the 15th century. Italy became the stage for rivalry between various city-states and the rise of powerful families like the Medici and Visconti.
Many social changes took place in the 14th century. The traditional role of the nobility and knighthood was increasingly taken over by bureaucracy, causing the nobility to become a class that centered its power and wealth in decadent parties and hunting. However, they became increasingly redundant. Serfdom disappeared, and the feudal system began to crumble as urban bourgeoisie gained influence. Cities like Venice, Genoa, and Bruges became significant trade centers. New trade routes were explored, and the rise of banking and the merchant class contributed to economic growth. The plague, known as the Black Death, struck Europe in the 14th century, causing a massive population decrease and economic disruption, making farmers and craftsmen scarce. In Italy, the Renaissance, a period of renewed interest in art, literature, and science, began to manifest.
The ecclesiastical power faced challenges and changes in the 14th century. The papal schism, which began in 1378, led to a division within the Catholic Church, resulting in two rival popes. This schism lasted almost forty years, causing division and confusion within the church and its followers. Moreover, corruption within the Catholic Church was fatal to its reputation, leading to the beginning of the Reformation.
Assembling
To assemble a Medieval outfit, we've implemented a 'timeline' filter function on our product overview pages.
Explore Medieval clothing: Clothing
Discover Medieval weapons: Weapons
See Medieval armor: Armor
15th Century
The 15th century is one of the most popular periods for re-enactment and living history. One of the reasons is that during the 15th century, the concept of nations and nationalism began to take shape. Also, the development of two-handed swords and complete harnesses became popular. Therefore, this century provides a highly interesting basis for re-enactment. Assembling 15th-century outfits is relatively straightforward.
Historical Summary
The 15th century was a time of Renaissance and power shifts. In England, the Hundred Years' War with France was concluded by the signing of the Treaty of Picquigny in 1475. In Italy, various city-states such as Florence, Venice, and Milan became significant political players in an era of intense rivalry and conflicts. In Bohemia, the Hussite uprisings took place. These religious and political conflicts in Bohemia in the early 15th century were inspired by the reformist ideas of Jan Hus. They began after his execution in 1415 and lasted until the early 1430s. The uprisings demanded religious freedom, including communion under both kinds, resulting in a series of battles and the Treaty of Iglau in 1436, guaranteeing some religious tolerance. These uprisings had a lasting influence on the religious and political developments in Bohemia and the spread of early Protestantism in Europe.
The 15th century marked the beginning of the age of exploration. European sailors, including Portuguese explorers such as Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama, explored new routes and discovered new territories. The discovery of South America by Christopher Columbus in 1492 opened the door to a new era of colonization and global trade. The Renaissance was a period of rebirth in art, literature, and science, reaching its peak in the 15th century. Artists and thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Johannes Gutenberg made significant contributions to their respective fields. The spread of the printing press had a revolutionary impact on the dissemination of knowledge and ideas. It was the time when reform movements within the Catholic Church emerged. Criticism of abuses and corruption led to the call for reform. An important figure was Martin Luther, who published his 95 theses in 1517, igniting the Reformation.
Europe was plagued by various wars and conflicts in the 15th century. The Italian Wars between rival city-states and foreign powers like France and Spain caused great devastation. Additionally, internal conflicts, such as the Wars of the Roses in England between the houses of Lancaster and York, took place.
The 15th century was a time of revolutionary changes, confronting Europe with political shifts, exploration, cultural flourishing, and religious reforms. These events paved the way for major changes and the rise of the modern era in the subsequent centuries.
Assembling
To assemble a 15th-century outfit, a 'timeline' filter function has been implemented on product overview pages.
Explore late 14th - 15th-century clothing: Clothing
Discover late 14th - 15th-century weapons: Weapons
Explore 15th-century armor: Armor
16th-17th Century
Since most countries as we know them today took shape in the 16th-17th centuries, it's logical that this period is very popular in re-enactment and living history. This is also the period when many European city festivals are held. Due to the many paintings and preserved objects from this era, it's relatively easy to base outfits on this period.
Historical Summary
The 16th century is marked by the Reformation, a reform movement within the Catholic Church that led to the establishment of new Christian denominations like Lutheranism and Calvinism. This caused religious division and conflicts in Europe. The rise of maritime trade and colonialism led to the discovery and conquest of new areas, such as America and Asia, by countries like Spain, Portugal, England, and the Netherlands.
The 17th century was a time of political and religious conflicts. The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) tore apart Europe, involving various powers and factors of religion, territorial claims, and political rivalry. In England, the English Civil War took place, pitting royalist forces led by King Charles I against Parliament and the Puritan faction. This war resulted in the execution of Charles I and the establishment of a republic under Oliver Cromwell.
The 16th and 17th centuries also witnessed significant scientific and cultural developments. The scientific revolution brought new ideas and discoveries, such as Nicolaus Copernicus' heliocentric theory and Isaac Newton's principles of physics. In art and literature, the Renaissance continued to flourish, with masters like William Shakespeare and Rembrandt van Rijn.
The 16th and 17th centuries were a time of intense trade and colonization. European countries established colonial empires, exploiting resources and trade routes worldwide. The Dutch Republic became a major trade center and dominated maritime trade in the Golden Age. England and France also expanded their colonial empires. The era was characterized by great discoveries, wars, and cultural changes that laid the foundation for the modern world as we know it today.
Assembling
To put together 16th-17th century outfits, a 'timeline' filter function has been added to product overview pages.
Explore weapons: Weapons
Explore clothing: Clothing
Discover armor: Armor
