The Renaissance is hailed as a historical watersheda flowering of thought, art, and progress that divided the Church-controlled middle ages from modern times. The Renaissance seemingly ushered in new ways of thinking, of doing, of livinga fresh perspective. But the Renaissance actually began not with a revolutionary new thought or thinker, but with a revived interest in centuries-old thought. A Woman Ahead of Her Time Banners flying from crenelated gates, a lady and her escort searching shops for a special treasureit's all part of a Renaissance Faire where the simple life of the 16th century finds new expression from hundreds of vendors like Sandy Swan who plies her hand to Renaissance hat-making. Historical Re-Creational Combat For safe sword and shield sparring, today's combat enthusiasts have a wide variety of approaches from which to choose.
Some enthusiasts seek a simple diversion with the spirit of historical combat.
Others attempt to reproduce historical battles without actually coming to blows. Then there are those who train in the authentic techniques of historical arms and armor.