medieval communities today?

Question

are there any medieval communties today? something like the mennonites i suppose, but medieval. i know there are groups, and attractions, but im looking for something more real.

I already belong to the SCA, my persona is 14th century, Paris, France. I'm looking for somethinng I can live on a daily basis, not just a weekend thing.

Answer 1

Technically, it's impossible since "medieval" by definition belongs to the time period between the fall of the Western Roman Empire (AD 461) and the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire, aka Byzantium (AD 1453). The time period is past, so no community today is "medieval."

That said, you are probably refering to a people group that lives in a manner similar to one of those that existed in the middle ages. The Mennonites would not qualify, since a) their denomination only dates back to the mid-16th century, and b) they really don't live a medieval lifestyle. You are probably thinking of the Amish, an off-shoot of the Mennonites who practice a Plain lifestyle (no cars, no electricity, etc.). However, even they are not really medieval - their lifestyle is more akin to the pioneer-era.

The Luddites are also known for rejecting technology, but that does not make them medieval either. In fact, in terms of attitude, it probably makes them *less* medieval, since the medieval mindset was constantly to improve and develop technology. It wasn't electronic or any of the things that we associate with Captial-T "Technology", but important technological advances like windmills, waterwheels, shoes for horses, iron banding on wheels, horse harnesses, etc were made during the middle ages.

Contrary to popular belief, medieval man showed a remarkable willingness to try something new. The compass was invented in China, but there it was merely a curiousity. One was brought to Europe and within 20 years just about every sailor, navigator, mapmaker, general and a good many nobles had one. The practical use of the technology was seized on and exploited.

The best I think you'll be able to do is either to get yourself on the staff of a living history museum (like the one in England run by Regia Angloruum) or join a monastic order that has a rule of simplicity and follows traditional ways. The monastic community is probably as real as you'll get.


P.S. You know Pennsic runs for two full weeks, so that's already more than "a weekend thing." And if you go War-hopping, you can probably get in a couple solid months a year living "the medieval life": Great Western War, Estrella, Lilies, Gulf Wars, etc. ... ;)

Answer 2

There are "living history" groups of different kinds, but they vary widely. I belong the SCA, but the time period is pretty long (after the fall of the Roman Empire up thru the Renaissance) and we are there mostly to have fun. Dancing, drinking, singing around the campfire, etc.

There are groups for the Restoration, the English Civil War, the American Civil War.

Try googling "living history groups" and the time period you are interested in.

Answer 3

there is, really. They even date back to the cro-magnons, neanderthals, and the in between genetic garbage that came along.
They are called politicians and exist the world over.
Same s'hit different country. Main activity is leech the world of resources, and spread their stupidity around. God have mercy, they unfortunately even breed. Then its a family business in politics........

Answer 4

Sure, I'll be your Feudal Lord if you'll be my Serf!