Why Ancient Rome Isn't the Reenactor's Favorite Era—and Why That's Fine

Did you know medieval reenactment dwarfs Ancient Rome by 50%?

In a Catalonia study of 115 documented reenactment events, medieval accounted for half of all events, while Ancient Rome made up just 11% (EXARC / Catalonia reenactment study). That's not a typo. The era of gladiators and legions—the one that fills movie screens—barely registers in living history. As someone who has spent years in this world, I find that fascinating. And it tells us something crucial about what we're really doing when we put on a tunic or a toga.

So, is Ancient Rome a 'dead' era for reenactors?

Not dead, but definitely niche. The same study found that fewer than 4% of events are set in Prehistory, Ancient Greece, or Iberian culture (EXARC Journal 2019/1). So Rome is actually at the high end of the ancient spectrum. But compared to medieval's 50% share, it's a rounding error. Why? I think it's because medieval history feels more 'us'—it's the birthplace of our languages, borders, and many of our institutions. Rome feels more like a foreign country, even though it's foundational.

What's the most common misconception about historical reenactment?

That it's all about accuracy. In my opinion, that's a myth. The Catalonia study showed that activities linked to experimental archaeology—the actual science of testing ancient techniques—are virtually non-existent, under 5% of proposals (EXARC Journal 2019/1). Most reenactments are about spectacle, community, and a sense of place, not about meticulous reconstruction. If you're going to a medieval fair expecting a peer-reviewed dissertation, you'll be disappointed. But if you go to celebrate a shared heritage, you'll have a blast.

Are reenactments a modern invention?

No, but the current wave is recent. Historical re-enactment as a leisure activity emerged in the UK in the 1970s (British Library oral history). In Catalonia, 69% of active events were initiated between 2000 and 2017, with a jump during the economic crisis—11 events created in 2008 alone (EXARC Journal 2019/1). This isn't a dusty hobby; it's a dynamic response to our times. When the present gets shaky, we look to the past for grounding.

Who actually organizes these events?

You'd think museums, right? Wrong. In Catalonia, 70% of events were instigated directly by town councils, and only 6% are organized mainly by a local museum (EXARC Journal 2019/1). This is grassroots heritage, driven by local pride and tourism dollars. The total budget for all these events? Around 3 million euros per year (EXARC Journal 2019/1). That's less than the cost of a single Hollywood blockbuster, yet it brings history to life for thousands.

Why do we romanticize the medieval era so much?

Because it's the perfect backdrop for storytelling. The Battle of Evesham Medieval Festival in the UK drew an estimated 60,000 visitors with more than 1,000 reenactors (British Library oral history). That's a bigger audience than many professional sports events. Medieval fairs offer a full sensory escape—jousting, markets, feasts—that Ancient Rome doesn't easily replicate. Plus, the medieval era is the 'middle child' of history: close enough to feel relevant, distant enough to be mysterious.

Is there a place for Ancient Rome in modern reenactment?

Absolutely. But it needs to be less about authenticity and more about connection. The 11% share for Rome (EXARC / Catalonia study) shows there's an audience. What Rome lacks in numbers, it makes up for in passion. I've seen Roman reenactors who know more about a pilum than most historians. My recommendation? Don't abandon Rome, but learn from the medieval success: focus on community, spectacle, and local relevance. That's how you grow from 11% to something bigger.

What can ancient civilizations teach us about reenactment's future?

That the past is not a monolith. The Catalonia study shows that contemporary-era recreations have grown to 43% of events in the last ten years, while medieval fairs and markets made up only 36% of events initiated between 2009 and 2017 (EXARC Journal 2019/1). So the trend is toward the recent past, not the ancient. But ancient civilizations remain the bedrock—they're the 'classics' of living history. If we want to keep the past alive, we need to tell stories that resonate today. That's the real lesson.

Sources

• EXARC / Catalonia reenactment study - https://dev.exarc.net/issue-2019-1/int/current-trends-annual-historical-re-enactments-events-catalonia
• British Library oral history - https://www.bl.uk/stories/blogs/posts/re-enactments-authentic-history-or-just-dressing-up
• EXARC Journal 2019/1 (Catalonia study PDF) - https://www.exarc.net/sites/default/files/2026-02/Current%20Trends%20in%20Annual%20Historical%20Re-Enactments%20Events%20in%20Catalonia.%20Uses%20of%20Cultural%20Heritage%20_%20The%20EXARC%20Journal.pdf