Ascoli Satriano Reenactment Fields, Italy

This year’s ancient warfare reenactment at Ascoli Satriano was a journey back to the Roman-Samniti wars, reviving a fierce and often overlooked rivalry—the Samnites versus the early Roman Republic. Alongside the historical combat and the authenticity of the costumes, it was the unexpected presence our Baby Alachigh, aka The Nomadic Hotel. 

⚔️ Recreating the Clash: Rome vs. the Samnites

The reenactment was based loosely on the Battle of Sentinum (295 BC), one of the most pivotal engagements of the Third Samnite War. Dozens of reenactors, clad in linen tunics, leather sandals, armour, ornate belts, bronze helmets and shields showing their tribal allegiance, recreated the organised might of the Roman legions and the fierce, guerilla-style resistance of the Samnite tribes.

Spectators lined the hills as Roman centurions barked commands in Latin, leading maniples in tight formation. Across the field, the Samnites appeared in asymmetric war gear—fitting for a people who fought from mountainous terrain and used surprise and mobility as their greatest weapons.

🏕️ The Alachigh Tent: A Symbol of Spirit and Sanctuary

At the edge of the Samnite camp stood something unfamiliar to many: a rounded, canvas-covered Alachigh, its curved wooden frame up to a metal wheel with its outer walls catching the light of the morning sun. Traditionally used by nomadic tribes of Iran—especially the Shahsevan—the Alachigh served here not just as a visual focal point, but as a symbol of the Samnite fighting spirit.

Though not historically Samnite, the tent was intentionally placed as a creative interpretation—a tribute to the resilience, adaptability, and tribal unity the Samnites embodied. Inside the tent, reenactors held pre-battle plans, had food at the traditional table and snored between battles.

The contrast between this circular, communal space and the rigid geometry of Roman and Samnite camp tents gave guests a visual metaphor: freedom versus order, tribal memory versus imperial discipline.

🛡️ The Power of Immersive History

More than just a battle recreation, the event was a living museum. From a parade though the local town to exhibitions of shields and chain mail to Roman pottery to a stall demonstrating Roman wooden games to samples of Roman food to the beautiful, colourful  ballerinas.

Clashing shields, and choreographed charges made the battlefield feel electric with tension and history and the end of each of the two days, all the soldiers, stood up from the ground where they had been killed and marched in form to dramatic music. Everyone watching was awed by the way it would have felt in ancient times.

The inclusion of the Alachigh tent, though not traditionally Italic, reminded all who attended that history isn’t just about what happened—it’s about how we choose to remember and retell it.

Live in Hope, die in Caergwrle, Wales

And then back in Wales….we were contacting by a guy who lives in Hope, Flintshire (yes that’s the town’s real name), and wanted a cover for their Kazakh yurt, which is is a bentwood yurt with a high pitched roof. There is a saying about the neighbouring villages there which is: “”Live in Hope, die in Caergwrle”. The phrase is thought to originate from a time when people who were drunk were kept in a lock-up at the base of Caergwrle Castle overnight, implying they’d “die in Caergwrle” after “living in Hope”.

Park in The Past

He has this place in Hope, called “Park in the Past” which is the only purpose built, Roman fort, in the country and it was a dream of Paul’s (the main guy) for years until he found the right place to ground it. It’s a beautiful location, set on a magnificent lake where a pair of beavers that had magically appeared. Roman tents, conservation, a fort and a beautiful massive wooden structure, for theatre, story telling of ancient times, and possibly costumed weddings. Loads of potential and ideas. It has been visited by a lot of school children, to take them back to the Past visits and the Flintshire County Council Tourist has just woken up to the potential of this resource. https://parkinthepast.org.uk

The thing is the connection between Central Asia and the Roman Empire. There was a path along the Silk Road connecting indirectly Rome and Central Asia. The Romans were partial to their gemstones, spices and silk, the most famous and sought-after commodity, which gave the trade route its name. Its’ popularity became a symbol of extravagance. The Romans knew little about its origin, with some believing it grew on trees. I don’t believe there was, an ancient connection in tents but for Romans to circle the square.