Czech Republic Battle Re-enactments

I am a "veteran" of the Czech historical swordplay group Rottalove. 

Among the multitude of events in which Czech swordplayers participate are battles. These are often re-enactments of real historical encounters, therefore the winning and losing sides of various parts of the battles are pre-determined. The "death" or "life" of individual fighters are determined by their skills, however. Individuals acknowledge heir defeat according to the blow(s) they receive. Thrusts are not generally allowed, but grappling is (except against horsemen). (It seems that the proposed requirement of at least some good protection of head and hands as a condition of participation has not yet been generally instituted.) 

Battles come in two kinds: 1.) Those in which anyone can participate and where anything can therefore happen, 2.) Battles where only persons who know reasonably well what they are doing and can exercise good control are invited. Over 1000 fighters participate in the larger events and the general public is welcome to view all battle re-enactments. Many include elaborate backdrops, which get often burned as a part of the scenario. (And yes, anything that looks like steel IS steel. And no, no liability waiver forms ever get signed at these events.)

As I was too busy wielding and shooting things whenever at these events, I have not been able to take any pictures of them myself. (Almost all) the pictures below were taken by Páv Lučištník and his are the exclusive rights to these pictures. 

MEDIAEVAL BATTLES:

RENAISSANCE / Baroque BATTLES:

ROMANESQUE BATTLES: