Dark Ages Reenactments

Dark Ages reenactments often cross over into the Early Medieval reenactment time period. Some groups even classify the Dark Ages and Early Medieval as the same time period. Dark Ages reenactments begin with the fall of the Roman Empire. Most Dark Ages reenactment groups focus on a small time period, whether it is a specific century or decade. Some groups require a fee for your first year of membership, followed by small dues yearly after that. The fees pay for entrance into events as well as funding for events.

One of the largest Dark Age reenactings groups is the Fire and Steel Living History Group. The group has been around for over 14 years. They focus on the Dark Ages Period in the British Isles and Western Europe. The Fire and Steel group reenact fights with blunt steel weapons and wear little armor. They take pride in being historically accurate in their training, dress, food, and period games. Like other groups, Fire and Steel will lend equipment to new members in training.

Other Dark Ages reenactment groups participate in living history reenactments in which they demonstrate cooking skills, woodworking, sewing, weapon usage and weapon making, among other crafts. Some living history groups have educational resources for children. Resources include making bead jewelry and paper hats or swords.

The Dark Ages Living History Association is an educational reenacting group based out of Michigan. The Dark Ages Living History Association does not allow the use of nylon, rayon, acetate, or any other flammable materials. Arm braces should be made of leather. Decorations should be in the Viking/Celtic style. Footwear should be primitive such as moccasins, mukluks, Gillis, and should be tan, yellow, brown or rust color. Black clothing is not allowed since it was very difficult to dye fabric black and if it were achieved, it would not stay that way. The DALHA encourages members to do their own research on clothing.

Dark Ages reenactment groups are very popular in Europe and in North America. The easiest way to find a group near you is to use a search engine or check local libraries. Also look out for information on upcoming Renaissance Fairs. If you can’t find any reenactment groups in your area don’t be afraid to travel or start your own group!