Archive for the 'History' Category
If today’s film culture seems obsessed with origin stories, that impulse is really nothing new. Long before the Star Wars prequels came to theaters, T.H. White penned an origin story for the myths of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. These stories had always portrayed Arthur as a fearless hero; White wanted to explore the makings of Arthur by crafting his own piece of fan fiction.
The story was eventually adapted into a beloved Walt Disney animated film called “The Sword in the Stone.” In it, a lowly stable boy named Wart befriends the famous magician Merlin and is taught a series of lessons in what it takes to become a knight. His final task is to pull the mighty fantasy sword Excalibur from the rock where it has been lodged for centuries. Having done so, Wart earns his title as king. This story envelopes medieval armor weapons to a whole new level with such detail to imagination.
When I was young, I loved playing swords with my buddies. Like most kids, many of my childhood idols were sword-wielding heroes from movies and video games All summer long we would chase each other around in our various back yards with swords made of wood or just long sticks. I am still in touch with many of my pals from the old neighborhood today.
We can’t-at least with any dignity-chase each other around in our yards anymore, but we can still indulge in our childhood passion. Today, I’ve amassed an impressive cache of Roman Swords which I now keep on display in my den. I can’t wait until my son is old enough to appreciate the weapons so I can begin to impart some of the knowledge I’ve accrued over the years.
A sword is a long-edged piece of forged metal, used in many civilizations throughout the world primarily as a cutting or thrusting weapon. The sword was developed from the dagger when the construction of longer blades became possible, from the late third millennium BC in the Middle East. The first was made from arsenic copper and then in tin bronze.
Collectible swords has become very popular in the states. There are three types of swords, which include single and doubled edge, two handed, and a hand and a half. Collectors tend to have a wide variety of swords. Depending on the era, you can collect swords anywhere from the Shang Dynasty to the Western Zhou Dynasty. Swords are unique in design and blades.
In the 16th century Japan began trading with Europe during what would become known as the Nanban trade. Samurai acquired European armor, including the cuirass and comb morion, which they modified and combined with domestic armor as it provided better protection from the newly-introduced matchlock muskets. Armor was also worn during the Tokugawa Shogunate, even after guns had replaced the naginata and bow, and was still in use by rebel samurai during the Boshin War and Meiji Restoration.
Japanese armor was generally made of many small steel or leather plates connected to each other by rivets, lace, or chain armor kusani. These armor plates could be attached to a leather or cloth backing. It was designed to be as lightweight as possible. It was developed repeatedly over the centuries since its introduction to the battlefield. The samurai were notably the most common to wear the armor.
The Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England, lends great insight to the military dress of the Normans as far back as 1066. From the tapestry we can tell that the kite shaped shield was used universally throughout the Norman cavalry. The large shield stretches from the upper chest down to mid-calf and was meant to protect the rider’s exposed left flank, but more often than not, knights are shown using the shields to protect their horses. On his person, a knight wore a hauberk. Made of chainmail, the hauberk was knee length, split up the front and back for riding with the two sides draping around the rider’s legs when mounted, for additional protection.
Under the chainmail hauberk, a gambeson was worn. A gambeson is typically a padded or quilted garment used to prevent chafing while riding. The garment also added a layer of protection if the knight received a particularly hard blow. Unfortunately, even with padding, chainmail was likely to dig into a knight’s flesh and potentially lead to blood poisoning.
On a recent trip to Rome I took the obligatory tour of the Coliseum. The building has become so iconic that many people forget it was actually the stage for brutal combat and the deaths of countless gladiators and wild animals. Most people assume that the events in the Coliseum were held for the grandeur of the Emperor, or Caesar, but the truth is that they were actually for the common people.
The Emperors would dole out the money for these extravagant, daylong events as a means of entertainment to keep the masses complacent and prevent revolt. These leaders funded everything from the Roman armor to the wild animals, which were shipped in from Africa and exotic locales. Admission was free, with the seating divided by classes; the wealthiest and most influential received preferential treatment, sitting the closest, while the commoners were confined to the “nosebleeds.”
When many of us think of Roman gladiators, we immediately revert to the glorified role these figures play in Hollywood movies. The truth of the matter, however, is that the life of a gladiator was not as glamorous as the films depict, and most of the warriors met an early death. In a recent NPR podcast there was a story highlighting a new archeological discovery: a massive burial site for Roman gladiators in Northern England. (Gladiators used to go on tour).
Although they can’t be certain the burial site was exclusively for Rancient roman swordsoman gladiators, several signs seem point to that conclusion. One arm on each of the skeletons had much more muscle than the other, which is probably due to the constant swinging and training with ancient Roman swords. There is evidence of a lion or tiger bite on one of the soldiers, both of which are foreign to the area and were used in gladiator battles. Finally, a hammer had damaged many of the skulls, a tactic used to disorient the gladiators.
The Middle Ages were one of the darkest periods in world history - rife with disease, poverty and human cruelty. The previously enlightened civilizations of Rome and Constantinople—and their legendary armies of soldiers in Roman armor—had fallen victim to the bubonic plague, rampaging barbarian hordes and dangerous superstition. Few people could be said to enjoy life during this era: kings and land barons had it pretty good, but what about all the illiterate peasants forced to grind out a subsistence lifestyle?
Monks and other members of the clergy were often the only ones afforded a chance to learn. Of all the people alive in Europe between 700 and 1100 AD, most were unable to read and write. Monks and some enlightened kings were the rare exception, and they kept the light of logic and reason burning for future generations.
Was Robin Hood simply a legend that was imagined and inspired by a class who was so suppressed in the Medieval times that they brought to life a “Santa Claus” to give them a small ray of hope or was there such a person who stole from the rich to give to the poor? History gives very little solid information to support the notion that Robin Hood really lived. However, in the literature of this age, there is much written about this inspiring figure. One of the first references was from a religious allegory, written by William Langdon. Here is the reference:
“Quoting the character, Sloth: “I kan noght parfitly my Paternoster as the preest it syngeth, But I kan rymes of Robyn hood and Randolf Erl of Chestre.” which J. C. Holt, in his 1989 revision of Robin Hood, translates as, “I do not know my paternoster perfectly as the priest sings it, But I know rhymes of Robin Hood and Randolph, earl of Chester.” As can be readily determined “Sloth” is one of the deadly sins. This was his confession to the priest and obviously knowing the rhymes of Robin Hood was considered a “slothful” use of time.
Another relevant reference to the name, “Robin Hood”, is from court records and reads as follows:
“The earliest contender is one Robert Hod, described as a fugitive, who is mentioned in the York assizes record of 1226: his goods were being confiscated because he owed money to St. Peter’s of York (Owen, 1936). The debt is not unlike that of Sir Richard in the Gest and certainly consistent with the fierce hostility toward abbeys and rich churchmen through the whole myth. A slightly later reference speaks of William Le Fevre, son of a smith, who was indicted at Reading for larceny in 1261 (Crook, 1984). Nothing very surprising about that, except that in the following year there is another reference to him, and now he is called William Robehod, as if that surname has become appropriate to his condition as a fugitive from justice. ”
If you are interested in pursuing the literary references for Robin Hood. The following is an excellent resource:
http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/rh/rhhome.htm
Whether Robin Hood truly existed is not relevant, because the legend was a significant symbol in Medieval Europe, and still applies in our modern day. It is a story of a struggle between ordinary men against powerful and often evil forces in society. It also relates a story of a band of common men who attempted to assist the unfortunate around them. These circumstances still apply today.
If Robin Hood was a real character, there are several facts that can be determined about him. He lived in Medieval times when the Pope encouraged all men to accept the Crusader cross and travel to the Middle East to free the Holy Land from its Moslem captors. The myth of Robin Hood is tied to the reign of Richard I who was called “the Lionheart.” Richard did in fact accept the cross and transported a large force to recapture Jerusalem. Legend relates that Robin attempted to save the absent crusading king’s crown from his ruthless brother, John Lackland. History does support the information that John was not a very efficient ruler or neither was he adept at war as was his older brother, Richard. John’s Mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, did not intially think very much of her youngest son. She left him in the hands of his father, Henry II and spent most of her time in Aquitaine with her favorite son, Richard.
Robin Hood was known as an expert with the Long Bow. Lore suggests that he could send an arrow a mile with his Long Bow This popular Medieval weapon was constructed from the ewe tree. If he carried a battle sword, it was likely what is now called a Crusader sword. He probably did carry a dagger, because this weapon was small and more readily available to his class. He probably wore a jerkin (shirt) either of leather or rough cotton. Also, an axe was in his arsenal of weapons, because the tool could also be used to clear land as well as being employed for protection. If he needed protection from the sword of an enemy he carried a buckler (a small round shield). For head protection he wore a battle helmet that was flat on top and covered his face.
In fact, it is also historical fact that King Richard on his return from the Holy Land did visit Sherwood Forest where Robin and his merry men were said to reside. It is not known that he visited the forest to find Robin Hood and thank him for his efforts on his behalf. This is only reported in legend. But the story is told in poetry or a song from a traveling minstrel:
” King Richard hearing of the pranks
Of Robin and his men,
He much admir’d and more desir’d
To see him and them.
Then with a dozen of his lords,
To Nottingham he rode:
When he came there, he made good cheer
And took up his abode.”
I for one am a believer in the existence of Robin Hood. It is a great story and who doesn’t love a good story?
Following is an article by Barbara Walton who owns a bed and breakfast in the Limousin region of France. Medieval enthusiasts will fully appreciate the beautiful landscape as well as the historical castles and landmarks that are prevalent in this region. In addition to viewing the scenery, Barbara offers painting courses conducted in the midst of this magnificent scenery.
“Mysterious Limousin, land of lakes and legends, wild and free. This region is known as ‘Hidden France’ because, though beautiful and steeped in history, it is still relatively undiscovered. Step back in time to enjoy all the ambiance of France, the wine, the food and sunshine, quiet country roads bordered with cowslips and the early purple orchids. You drive along these pretty routes when you follow the Route of Richard the Lionheart linking thirteen castles and five other major historical sites.
- Excellent botanical garden behind Limoges Cathedral
- Museum of Métiers also near the cathedral. A fascinating museum devoted to the crafts.
- Visit the Porcelain Museum at Limoges
- Cassinomagus is an important Gallo - Roman site at Chassenon, ten minutes from Videix. They organise fantastic days when people dress up as ancient Gauls or Romans and show crafts, costumes, housing, warefare etc. Not well publicised but not to be missed!
- The town of Pierre-Buffier is about 1 hour away from Les Trois Chenes and has (or had) monestary of 11th century and has 11th century church - Sainte-Croix. It is well worth a visit
- The town of La Rochefoucauld is only thirty minutes away. It is dominated by a Fairytale Castle complete with moat. Here you can dress up in Medieval costume and parade around the Chateau. The kids love this – but so do the adults.
Take a bit of time to see the very many other wonderful places to see and things to do. After seven years I’m still discovering Limousin!