Experimental combat: technical, anthropological and educational contributions

Summary

This article, based on ten years of experimental combat with reproductions of Gaulish weapons by the non-profit organisation Cladio, presents the different thematic categories that this type of approach contributes to technical, anthropological and educational subjects. The technical results are principally about production, resistance and ergonomics of Gaulish military equipment. The results designated as "anthropological" cover a wider scope of questions linked to the techniques of individual and group combat, battle sequences and success factors linked to a victorious engagement. Experimental combat permits a better understanding of the ancient warrior's knowledge through the modern experimenter's "embodiment" of the practices and thus changes current perspectives on literary sources and iconographical documents. The results of the experimental approach are useful in an educational framework, or for cultural mediation, by offering direct experimentation activities to the public in the form of combat demonstrations. Both types of combat presentations must be accompanied by a morale and ethical explanation about warfare.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection Manager

Record Identifiers

ExArc Id(s): 14016

Notes

Rights & Attribution: The information in this record was originally compiled by Dr. Roeland Paardekooper, EXARC Director.