Anakron Living History
Welcome to Anakron
Living
Devoted reenactors situated in Malta relive the late medieval period. The Genoese, Aragonese and Sicilian nobility all wanted the riches of the Med. Malta was a blooming cotton producer with a great strategic importance for control over the lucrative sea trade routes. For years the home of pirates, now becoming the fortress that it needed to become
Europe of 1450 is within the period which Anakron concentrates. We are flexible from late 14th - late 15th century. The age of chivalry is in it's twilight, and Europe is a political minefield and historic battles. Dynasties, Kingdoms, and Feudal Lords fought for power, wealth and control. To the north, England was licking it's wounds from it's losses of territory in France. The hundred year war was finished, and the advent of shots being heard on the battle field signaled a change of times to come. The Holy Roman Empire seen as the protector of Christian values, controlled the centralised thinking of the time. The 'influence' on papal matters meant the Emperor could manipulate alliances and marriages. The age of the crusader had failed, and the Byzantine Empire crumbled in the wake of the Ottoman surge. Constantinople was close to falling. France had proclaimed it's own 'anti papal state', which divided Western Europe . The Italian City state titles were handed out by an Aragonese Emporer far from the people of the land. The kingdoms of Sicily and Naples were controlled by Alfonso V. Malta was a fief of the kingdom of Sicily, but it too had gone through it's own struggle to get there.
Anakron Malta
Anakron portray a large span of medieval history which enables us to explore many different types of armour, weapons, trades, and their tools. Maltese history is one based on struggle and turmoil, and early 15th century was no different for the fief of Malta. Originally created by Tancred of Sicily under the title of Count of Malta, it was later elevated to that of Maquis. Generally the elevation of titles were given to border Counts of Kingdoms. This experiment and creation of a state within a state was a useful piece to have whne playing with the Italian peninsuala as it was then.
The local Maltese population were used to fighting Turkish pirates or Corsairs. They had already risen against their foreign Overlords years previously, and had obtained a self sufficient type of rule. The Castrum Maris (Fort St Angelo) was a prized castellani juggled between the Angevin & Aragonese Empires and their respective counts.
King Alfonso in 1412 passed once more the title of Malta to Cardona, thus ending Aragon rule in the region. Who in turn sold the title on to Monroy for a reputed 30,000 florins. This was not appreciated by the local nobility and population, and so began a period of unrest. In order to control the population Monroy used reprimand and punishment, and for this he has earned his place in the modern Maltese wax work dungeon in Mdina. After a series of raids c.1423-25 by the corsairs once more, the islans defenders were faced with food shortages.
The King would not address either the promises of self rule nor offer protection or assistance, the local population revolted. Starting in Gozo and then moving over to Malta. Mdina was sieged, and Monroy and his small force blockaded at the Castrum Maris.
As preparation was being made to send forces to destroy the Outlawed Maltese, an offer was made to buy the island for the intial sum proposed between Cardona and Monroy. This was accepted by Monroy.
On the 20th June 1428, Malta was accorded it's own Magna Carta from the King. It had the right to dominio rule, and the right to rebel. In all essence it became independant and would no longer be passed around Nobles to do with as they felt best. This statute would last for another 100 years until some other Knights arrived, and the age of chivalry disappeared into the history books.
Our Mission
As a group we are focussed on the normal folk of the time. With this we are able to demonstrate the strong bonds which were needed in an age where the machinery that would emerge during the renaissance was still just etchings on in peoples minds. Our group portrays a travelling free company, similar to the companies roaming Italy during the high medieval period.
These companies were professional soldiers, and would have travelled from one contrat (condotta) to another. Although versed in the arts of warfare, and skilled in the available arms of the time, it has been note that many conflicts would be more of a masquerade rather than the butchery of modern day imagery. As the companies won renown so did their questioning of authority. Many companies would become as powerful or even more than their actual employers.
The companies would travel and a normal contract could last a few seasons< so they needed to live during these times. It would be logical to assume that the Tavern keep, Baker, Woodmaker, and Armourer would have followed the group.
Our portrayal can be adapted to focus on certain aspects of medieval life on request. We love nothing more than to create and research new set ups that can make our guests reflect on this remarkable era. The main elements consist of Tavern life, Tradtional crafts and skills, Archery, Smithing, Armoury, Lists (Ind. Combat-HMA), Skirmish (full scale phased battle-Reenactment or HMA), Horsemanship and more (Click here for more details).
Educational, fun, and intriguing for inquisitive minds, we interact with people, and include them in our passion for the era. Our key scibes have endless hours of lecture material which can be adpated to all age groups and levels. Our Armourers have countless tales of battles, and are always available to discuss the merits of a mace or an axe as a preferred side arm.
Contact us for more details regarding any aspect and to discuss your individual event requirements. Nothing is too big or small (although a full scale battle of Pavia maybe out of our scale, we can certainly look to adapt to it).
Mesdames...
Medieval life was firmly based on strong households, and behind every strong household, there lies our true cornerstones......Our Ladies. Although the medieval life for women would have been a trial for many modern day women. It is untrue to say that during the time it was misogenistic. Women had power and status, although there were obligations, and women were treated as goods rather than anything else. Their efforts in all aspects of house wifery created the firm basis for the boys to go off and be chivalrous and undertake noble deeds.
Not only the real heads of their households, many women would have other roles such as seamstress, brewer, or baker. A common image in contemporary literature shows the common woman with her distaff, spinning wool or flax.
Womans role is described as the original sin and thus their status in society was controlled by men whom were deemed superior. Mary, brought a second chance and through her image, women had the possibility to become pious and reveered. Some Abesses would have power over their male counterparts in some abbys.
Even though women would hold titles and control kigdoms and change the political and secular visions of Europe (Jeanne d'Arc, Isabella de castille), womens lives were as diverse as they are in todays society. A select few would have power, but many were still treated as chattle by male family members in their 'games of power and prestige'. Many would be forced into organised marriages and become 'slaves' of the feudal system. Others would be the unsung heroines of many businesses such as merchant stores, inns & taverns, and other crafts of the time.
As Anakron Living History portray a mercenary company, our baggage train is full of life and it is the backbone of our small army. As mediterranean cuisine remains as it was many centruies ago, based on Citrus fruits, Olives, Pasta (thought to be on everybodies table in the 13th century in Italy), Barley, Eggs (frittatas), Cheese, Cured meats etc. The tortas would have been filled with the seasonal harvest.
Our expert enthusiasts are available for educational lectures, and during our events we wish to show the public how good food really was in the medieval times. Many imagine gruel and slop, whereas fresh produce was good and wholesome. Spices had already entered into many homes. Try one of our speciality pies ...
Events and camp life
Our group meets regularly to exchange, share ideas and research, and train in the basics of combat, but also to relive the moments of the times. As in the day, each member has an interest or skill set, and we strive to pass on this knowledge to the others. Notably these free companies, roving bands of mercenaries would have entire villages following them.
In the time period we portray, one must imagine that the civilised world was as ruthless as it was cunning, after the end of the hundred years war, the 'ecorcheurs' would not have retired. Many would have gone to seek fortune elsewhere to the East, possibly with the Teutonic Knghts, some with the crusades of the time and some would have tried their luck on the Italian Peninsula. Money and power controlled the city states, and
As a rather sedentary group representation we aim to show life in these camps. Our events notably, the yearly festival at Mdina (Check out the facebook page). Where the wonderful citadel of Mdina, the medieval capital of Malta, becomes the hive of activity it would have been. For more information then please contact us either as a sponsor or an interested party wanting to find out more.
We also organise regular events for all types of public gatherings. Notably at Naxxar, Monte Kristo estates, and our own events such as the ride out, pilgrimage, and the up and coming camp/tournie presentation.