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History Alive 2007
Abbey Tournament 2007 
Last updated: 25th February 2007 |
as Törichte Leben is a late-medieval living history group based in Brisbane Australia, where individuals endeavour to re-enact daily life in the Swiss Cantons circa 1477. Das Törichte Leben takes its name from a band of discontented free citizens and country-folk from the Canton of Zug who gave mercenary service during the Burgundian Wars (1474-77). Additional citizens from surrounding Cantons joined the band and marched on Geneva to demand payment. This band adopted the name "Das Törichte Leben" which is German for "The Foolish Life", and adopted the Saubanner as their emblem. The Saubanner depicts a large sow and three piglets. At that time, the sow was seen as a symbol of discontent. As they were owed an amount in the vicinity of 24,000 Swiss guilders by the Swiss Confederation, ‘Das Törichte Leben’ marched upon the City of Geneva to demand payment. This incident came at a very inconvenient time politically for the Swiss Authorities as they were in delicate negotiations with France and Savoy, and caused great concern to other independent Swiss cities including Zurich, Berne, Lucerne, Basel, Freiburg and Payerne. It would have looked very bad if it seemed to other countries that the Swiss Confederation could not keep its own troops under control. Confronted by this large, unhappy band of experienced mercenaries and country-folk, Geneva had little choice but to pay. It was finally negotiated that a part-payment of 8,000 guilders would be paid to ‘Das Törichte Leben’ with hostages provided to make up the remaining amount, and a promise made to pay the remaining amount owed within a year. In addition, each member of ‘Das Törichte Leben’ would be paid a further two guilders each as remuneration for the costs incurred travelling to Geneva. Some sources mention that part of the monies owed was paid in barrels of alcohol, which possibly helped to encourage the crowd to disperse back to their homes. Following this incident, Geneva, Berne and Freiburg took measures to protect themselves against any future hostile crowds of armed peasantry. Each group member researches and displays a medieval lifeskill or trade they are interested in such as food, pottery, leatherwork and metalwork. We also research and display the military skills associated with the confederate soldier in medieval Switzerland. These include pole-arms drill, 15th century sword work and archery.
If you have an interest in what we do please contact us. We display at all the major historical events in South East Queensland.
Contact: dtl@uqconnect.net.au |
