Hoplite re-enactment

[ludwag]

why do you like to watch re-enactment videos? I dont understand what it is about them that some people like to see. And post on forum later

In fact I dont understand why people like to re-enact anyway? If it was for a movie or something, it would be very cool. But to practice and dress up in coustumes, just to do some simple moves synchronized I just dont understand that. No matter how intrested in military history, I cant imagine what makes people do suff like that.

[Phalanx300]

why do you like to watch re-enactment videos? I dont understand what it is about them that some people like to see. And post on forum later

In fact I dont understand why people like to re-enact anyway? If it was for a movie or something, it would be very cool. But to practice and dress up in coustumes, just to do some simple moves synchronized I just dont understand that. No matter how intrested in military history, I cant imagine what makes people do suff like that.

People Re-enact becouse they probably find it fun, and want to experience just how it is, and its better this way, or to look at it this way then to see a picture from a book. And Re-enactment also gives a idea of how things worked our probably worked, since ideas can be put to the test.

And it aren't costumes, it are real authentic pieces of armour, costing quite alot.

And in the future I'm also planning on owning a complete Hoplite armour set, with sharp blade and spear etc. Why? Well don't really have a reason for it, its just in honour of those and well, its hard to explain :P.


I can't really see whats not to like about re-enactment, you're just showing how they looked and fought. And also, with displays its a good tool to teach people about things.

[Maeran]

I suppose they are rare because they really look ineffectual unless there are at least 40 of you. (if anyone here's a history teacher- pit two classes against each other with bin lids and broom handles. OK, these days you'll get sued by the parents, but what a lesson!)

serious re-enactment does two things worth doing IMO ludwag. The first is showing anyone who wants to see (including yourself) how something would have looked. And if this encourages anyone in an interest in the subject you happen to be re-enacting, then this is a job well done. Even if you're wearing lorica segmentata :)

Secondly, really serious re-enactment counts as experimental archeology and can give a genuine contribution to historical knowledge. OK, it's potentially biased by your own modern background, but many factors haven't changed.

[Gleemonex]

why do you like to watch re-enactment videos? [...] In fact I dont understand why people like to re-enact anyway?

Because seeing is better than hearing, and doing is better than seeing.

-Glee

[ludwag]

hmm, they look like costumes to me. They are too shiny and they do not fit, becouse the re-enactors is too skinny, and very pale. So they do not look like hoplites, and if they want to feel a little like a real battle, they should use their imagination. I allways imagine real battles, and try to picture in my head what a real battle may look like from one of the soldiers perspective, and what feelings he feels like many hours before the battle, based on many facts like for instance that every soldier on the battlefield believe that they could win, and that they cant see all the enemy and the sounds and stuff.

Re-enacting I dont understand becouse they just do some moves. If it is for reseaching I do understand, but for playing I really dont. But I do respect them, becouse they are developing their interests, and they do not have restrictions like "no we are 40 years old, we cant play like small children" and stuff. But for me I'd rather use my intrests to make a illustration or something or to talk about it with others with the same intrests.

[oudysseos]

It's not generally considered nice to tell other people that they're dumb if they don't do things just like you do. Re-enacters would probably think that when you

imagine real battles, and try to picture in my head what a real battle may look like from one of the soldiers perspective, and what feelings he feels like many hours before the battle, based on many facts like for instance that every soldier on the battlefield believe that they could win, and that they cant see all the enemy and the sounds and stuff

that you have very little on which to base your imaginings, having no experience of the things you're fantasizing. Actually carrying a 20 pound shield and 9 foot spear might give your imagination a little grist to grind, so to speak. It's not like your imagination doesn't need a little help:

I cant imagine what makes people do stuff like that.

Personally, I imagine that the people in the hoplite video I posted were having a blast, but then, I always try to imagine the best of people I have never met.

[dezzerx]

hmm, they look like costumes to me. They are too shiny and they do not fit, becouse the re-enactors is too skinny, and very pale. So they do not look like hoplites, and if they want to feel a little like a real battle, they should use their imagination. I allways imagine real battles, and try to picture in my head what a real battle may look like from one of the soldiers perspective, and what feelings he feels like many hours before the battle, based on many facts like for instance that every soldier on the battlefield believe that they could win, and that they cant see all the enemy and the sounds and stuff.

Re-enacting I dont understand becouse they just do some moves. If it is for reseaching I do understand, but for playing I really dont. But I do respect them, becouse they are developing their interests, and they do not have restrictions like "no we are 40 years old, we cant play like small children" and stuff. But for me I'd rather use my intrests to make a illustration or something or to talk about it with others with the same intrests.

Some re-enactors hold battles, not rehearsed you hit me there and I block there kind of battles. But battles with blunt blades and may the best side (or in one on one kind of fights best man) win. I personally am into Viking re-enactment. The only exception is historical battles where you know which side will win.

Here is one of the battles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoshKASFGOw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj8PxOxuoiI

But I'm sure with your level of intelligence imagining a battle is just as realistic.

A dumb reenactor.

[Pontius Pilate]

hmm, they look like costumes to me. They are too shiny and they do not fit, becouse the re-enactors is too skinny, and very pale. So they do not look like hoplites, and if they want to feel a little like a real battle, they should use their imagination...

I kind of understand what you mean. When I see reenactors they always look so, how can I say it, out of place and awkward in their costumes. The costumes do look a bit shiny sometimes like the LS, which makes it look a bit toyish, causing many people not to like it. The armor always seems to big for them and they don't move around like well organized soldiers, unlike in ancient times. Maybe that's why when someone is shooting an ancient warfare movie, they must train the extras and actors for weeks so that their movements look natural and consistant.

But then again, I'm pretty sure it would be a ton of fun to fight/run around with a suit of armor on and a spear and helm, so I have mixed feelings. Also, when someone asks you what hobbies you like to do, you can say something different and new for a change.

I allways imagine real battles,...

Same here, I spend way too much time day dreaming of heroic victories, cavalry charges, etc.