16th Century Military Drills Reenactment, Estonia Poster

"Reenactment of 16th Century Military Drills at Rakvere Castle, Estonia" by Catherine Sherman. Men dressed in 16th century military uniforms march in formation through the ancient gate of Rakvere Castle in Estonia after performing drills within the castle's stone walls. They carry long pikes and wear helmets in their reenactment of mediaeval military manoeuvres for tourists who visit the castle. The castle is now a theme park representing the everyday life of the 16th century. We enjoyed lunch, pageantry, history lessons and watching a vodka testing contest. My husband was drafted to evaluate the different vodkas. The oldest known archaeological traces of the ancient fortress on Rakvere's Vallimäe hill date from the 5th-6th century. Throughout the ages, Rakvere castle has belonged to Danish kings, knight-monks of the Livonian Order and the Swedish and Polish states. During the Polish-Swedish War of 1600-1629, the castle was partly blown up by the Polish troops in 1605, and later also by the Swedish army. The castle has lain in ruins ever since. From the 13th century until the early 20th century, Rakvere was more widely known by its historical German name, Wesenberg(h). The castle is a theme park representing the everyday life of the 16th century. We enjoyed lunch, pageantry, history lessons and watching a vodka testing contest. My husband was drafted to evaluate the different vodkas.