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Historical Re-enactment » Links » Archeon

Archeon


Web page:http://www.archeon.nl

Located in Alphen aan den Rijn, just a few km from Utrecht and Amsterdam, this Park is a "must" visit for anyone interested in the history of the Netherlands. The Park puts on show a huge period of Dutch ancient times, from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages, grouped into 3 historical areas:

 

  • Prehistory, established very arbitrarily between 6000 BC (Neolithic) and 12 BC.
  • Roman domination, from 12 BC until 406 AC.
  • The Middle Ages, between 406 AC and 1500 AC.

 

In the Neolithic zone, a hut village has been reconstructed close to a small lake. There, workshops and miscellaneous demonstrations take place among which are hut building, canoe sailing, fire igniting, grain grinding, axe manufacturing, leather tanning and dresses and shepherds' bags making.

 

In the area devoted to the Roman period a stretch wall of the limes or border and a military camp have been simulated. There is also a patrician villa, with several rooms and gardens, and various typically Roman buildings (therms, workshops, forum). Visitors will have the opportunity to enlist into Roman legions, pushing the pilum or exercising with the gladius, the well-known Roman sword, and perform like real Roman citizens, playing the same games as children 2.000 years ago or attending a fight of gladiators.

 

In the Middle Ages zone, visitors will enjoy strolling along the cheerful streets of a 14th century village, watching stalls filled with medieval products and assorted artisans at work (basket makers, coopers, blacksmiths, weavers). Also, life within a monastic community or knights' combats will be observed.

 

Different educational programmes are available. They are mostly conceived for schools in one-day or several-day stays. Moreover, reenactment groups specialised in the historical periods portrayed in this Park act out self-produced shows every weekend.

 

Several events are annually held in this park, among them the Roman Day and the Late Roman Event, in which Catalan groups often participate. Further information and images can be found at: