Park in the Past Roman cavalry event

 We are so excited to have Northern Horse back again for our Auxilia event 30th & 31st May

EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE https://parkinthepast.org.uk/events/auxilia/

Park in the Past

Fagl Lane, Hope

LL12 9HB

Open - Sat & Sun 9.30 am - 4pm

Last entry, 1 hour before closing time.

FACTS ABOUT ROMAN CAVALRY

Roman cavalry in Britain, primarily composed of auxiliary units (alae) rather than legionaries,they were elite, diverse, and heavily armed fighters, often serving 25-year terms to gain citizenship. They were crucial for frontier security, particularly along Hadrian's Wall, and used specialized equipment like mail/scale armor, javelins, and, at times, armored horses (cataphracts).

* Cavalry units were often 500 or 1000 strong (an ala or cohors equitata). While early auxiliary leaders were local chiefs, by the 2nd century AD, many prefects were Roman.

*Units came from across the empire, including Gaul, Belgium, Spain, and later, Sarmatian troops from the Danube region.

* Major cavalry forts included Chesters (Cilurnum) and Malton (Ala Picentiana).

Living Conditions: Excavations at Wallsend and South Shields reveal that cavalrymen lived in the same barracks as their horses, with horses stabled in the front room and soldiers in the back.

Follow this link for information about the cavalry at Malton

https://www.maltonmuseum.co.uk/.../roman-cavalry-in-malton/

* They used light javelins for initial attacks followed by swords for close combat. Equipment included oval shields, helmets, and sometimes protective amulets (phallus symbols) to protect against the "evil eye".

*Sarmatian Influence: In AD 175, 5,500 Sarmatian, heavily armored cataphracts were sent to Britain, with a major unit stationed at Ribchester, influencing the local culture for generations.

* Beyond fighting, they conducted scouting, patrolled frontiers, and maintained security along vital, newly built roads.

* Upon completing 25 years of service, they received citizenship, which was documented with bronze diplomas.

Don't forget, you can see the amazing Northern Horse in action at this years Auxilia, here at Park in the Past .

For more event information just follow this link

https://www.facebook.com/events/4188573448056996/?active_tab=discussion

We can't wait!!

#horses #cavalry #WarHorse #ParkinthePast #chester #wrexham

Mead and beer

 

What the Iron Age Celts drank for intoxication?

The Iron Age Celts primarily consumed mead and beer as intoxicants. Mead was a common drink, especially among the elite, as it was produced from honey, which was the only sweetener available to prehistoric Europeans. Beer, or ale, was brewed from barley and was consumed by the general population. The Celts also used imported vessels and products from the Mediterranean, indicating a dynamic intercultural process. The consumption of these beverages was not limited to the upper echelons of society; craftsmen and commoners alike had access to wine and beer, often for cooking and drinking parties. 

The University of Texas at Austin+2

Trimatrici ( Troupe de reconstitution Gauloise )

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Trimatrici ( Troupe de reconstitution Gauloise ) | MJC Gerstheim

Introduction to Iron Age Cooking

 Caroline from Pario Gallico talks us through the seasonal food available in Iron Age Britain and some of the cooking methods used, as well as touching on the importance of experimental archaeology and living history.

The Vicus - Romans and Britons

 Here is their  Facebook

About 20 years ago my son and I were in this group. Was fun. I don't have any photos of us but I did draw this recruiting poster.

What did Iron Age women wear? (cir. 300-200BCE, NW Europe / Britain)

 Find many more videos about ancient living, various traditional crafts, rare breed animals and experimental archaeology, presenting many time periods, on www.butserplus.com for the price of a coffee or a monthly donation to support Butser Ancient Farm's work.

Iron Age chariot by Samara Parc Archeolgique

 (5) Facebook

Their mode of fighting with their chariots is this: firstly, they drive about in all directions and throw their weapons and generally break the ranks of the enemy with the very dread of their horses and the noise of their wheels; and when they have worked themselves in between the troops of horse, leap from their chariots and engage on foot. The charioteers in the meantime withdraw some little distance from the battle, and so place themselves with the chariots that, if their masters are overpowered by the number of the enemy, they may have a ready retreat to their own troops. Thus they display in battle the speed of horse, [together with] the firmness of infantry; and by daily practice and exercise attain to such expertness that they are accustomed, even on a declining and steep place, to check their horses at full speed, and manage and turn them in an instant and run along the pole, and stand on the yoke, and thence betake themselves with the greatest celerity to their chariots again.^[41]

Brigantia, the Iron-Age Celtic Reenactment Society

 

Brigantia Celtic Reenactment | Facebook in the files section are pdfs of their kit guide.

Brigantia, the Iron-Age Celtic Reenactment Society, offers a unique experience for those interested in the re-enactment of the late Iron Age Celts of Southern Britain. The society focuses on combat re-enactment and living history displays, capturing the essence of the Celtic way of life during the Iron Age. Brigantia aims to provide a comprehensive re-enactment of the Brigantes, a tribe known for their resistance against Roman conquest. The society's activities include historical role-play, storytelling, and participation in traditional Celtic customs and architecture. Brigantia is not just a historical reenactment; it is a living community that invites interaction and participation in the Celtic heritage