Russia’s Kaliningrad region re-lives Viking era

The Viking Era International Festival has brough history back to Russia's Kaliningrad region. The Vikings entered the resort city of Zelenogradsk singing and dancing to the sound of rattles and drums.
The beach filled with costumes and characters from the Middle Ages, Peasants with their long sleeved wool shirts and the Viking elite with their bright capes and traditional weapons. Aleksandr Pritalkov plays the role of a sea warrior. The main element of his costume that was tailored for many months in a history club is the armour. It’s quilted instead of traditional heavy steel.“They didn’t use heavy armour during the Viking period like they did in the knights era. All the main battles were held at sea. If we fall into the water wearing chain armour there’s no chance of survival - with this there is,” Aleksandr explains.The Viking Era International Festival of historic reconstruction was founded after archeologists discovered a burial site of Lithuanian warriors who fought against the Order of Teutonic Knights in the 14th century. Even the skeptics were convinced that Vikings inhabited this area after women’s jewelry of Scandinavian origin was found.Large-scale research of the area uncovered surprising discoveries that further undermine the perception that Vikings were little more than merciless sea thugs.Historians tell us the Scandinavians often settled on new territories as traders and craftsmen.The festival showcased Viking martial arts, crafts and their way of life. Visitors could learn how to weave a canvas, make paper and ceramics, create jewelry, toys and weapons. Visitors were given the opportunity to become a Viking for a day by putting on ancient jewelry and armour and shooting with a real bow and arrow.http://www.russiatoday.ru/