I am Roland Warzecha, a professional illustrator – and a swordsman. Hence the name ‘Dimicator’ which is a Latin term meaning sword fighter. I present to you cutting-edge research into historical martial arts, and Viking & high medieval sword & shield fighting in particular. I am co-operating with museums, fellow martial artists and scholars worldwide. Renowned expert for historical arms, Dr Alfred Geibig, says: “The careful reconstruction of historical swordsmanship, impressively demonstrated by Mr. Warzecha, is a valuable supplement to archaeological insights, and clearly proves the efficiency of European swords and the sophistication of the associated historical fighting arts.” To get regular up-dates on the archaeology and history of sword & shield and how they were used, sign up for my newsletter! I would be delighted if you would join my quest.
Viking Highlights and Disappointments – Plus: Improve Your Sword Skills!
A Famous Viking Age Sword Made for a Left-HanderHello fellow sword and history enthusiasts, It’s not often that you get to see this exceptionally well-preserved sword outside the British Museum. With its wide fuller inscribed LEUTLRIT and an Anglo-Danish hilt adorned with geometric inlays, it is an outstanding piece. But what I find most intriguing are the subtle asymmetries in the hilt design—clearly intended to optimise the weapon for left-handed use.
A Splendid Right-Handed Viking Sword from PolandAnother impressive sword from the same era features a flamboyant, genuinely Scandinavian hilt (Petersen Type S / Geibig Combination Type 10) with comparable modifications—this time tailored for right-handed use. The weapon was tested, recorded and documented by aspiring archaeologist Harald Hrodberhtsson.
Now’s the Time to Improve Your Skill at ArmsCornelius and I continue to offer guidance on your path to sword-and-buckler mastery through our I.33 online courses—currently 15% off!
And remember: if it looks good, it’s probably correct! Waning Light: When the Viking Twilight Fails to ShineI recently visited Twilight of the Vikings in Schleswig—unfortunately, a missed opportunity. Instead of exploring the fascinating and turbulent local events of 1066, including the Slavic uprising and the fall of Hedeby, the exhibition focuses largely on the already well-trodden tale of the Norman conquest of England. There’s little context, no reconstructions, and awkward animations that leave visitors lost in a sea of artefacts. The exhibition fails to connect past and present in any meaningful way—despite a wealth of archaeological research waiting to be brought to life.
Come to Hedeby!The annual summer market at the reconstructed Viking houses in Hedeby starts tomorrow. I plan to visit in full Viking kit on Saturday. If you're around, come say hello and talk swords! Wishing you all a strong and sunny sword-and-shield summer! If you enjoyed this newsletter, please recommend it to your friends. They can sign up here or on my website. Or simply forward them this email. Improve your skills with our sword-and-buckler online courses. Use the coupon code SUMMERWEDDING for a 15% discount. If you wish to read more, find hundreds of related posts on my Patreon. Special thanks to all my loyal supporters on Patreon – you keep me going! And if you are not a patron yet, you are most welcome to join. If you feel like dropping a coin into my tip jar, you can do so here. Thank you for your time and your interest. Yours, Roland You are receiving this newsletter because you have signed up for it, or because you have previously expressed your interest in my work and events. If you prefer to not receive further emails, you can unsubscribe below. |
Dimicator
I am Roland Warzecha, a professional illustrator – and a swordsman. Hence the name ‘Dimicator’ which is a Latin term meaning sword fighter. I present to you cutting-edge research into historical martial arts, and Viking & high medieval sword & shield fighting in particular. I am co-operating with museums, fellow martial artists and scholars worldwide. Renowned expert for historical arms, Dr Alfred Geibig, says: “The careful reconstruction of historical swordsmanship, impressively demonstrated by Mr. Warzecha, is a valuable supplement to archaeological insights, and clearly proves the efficiency of European swords and the sophistication of the associated historical fighting arts.” To get regular up-dates on the archaeology and history of sword & shield and how they were used, sign up for my newsletter! I would be delighted if you would join my quest.
The Fencing Bridegroom Swordsmen's distinguished summer fashion Hello sword-and-buckler enthusiasts and fashion victims, My fellow buckler fighter and researcher Cornelius Berthold was married this past weekend. The occasion provided a splendid opportunity for some early-morning fencing before breakfast—and, notably, for swordplay in suits. The latter was suggested by photographer Jonas Radtke, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing the resulting images. There can be only one! In the...
Are We But Brutal Primates? Chimps make war, bonobos make love. What about us? (My illustration) Hello fellow history enthusiasts, I suspect many of you share my feeling that we are living through particularly unusual and turbulent times. While I generally make a conscious effort to maintain a positive outlook and focus on the good, I must admit this has grown increasingly difficult in recent years. Stupidity, ignorance and brutality seem all too prominent among our species at present....
Berlin Buckler Bouts, Posture, Courses & Excursions Brave Berlin Bucklerists, May 2025 Hello fellow buckler fighters, researchers, and enthusiasts, Last weekend marked the 23rd Berlin Buckler Bouts, with participants joining us from Canada, the US, Poland, and Germany. As usual, I particularly enjoyed the Sunday session, when I could focus on addressing issues in my fencing that had become apparent during Saturday’s bouts—a sentiment I shared with many other participants. Fencing Ewan...