Napoleon Days at Austerlitz

One of Europe's most decisive victories was commemorated this weekend near the battlefield of Austerlitz in the Czech region of Moravia. When I arrived at the Slavkov Chateau I was greeted with sounds of cannon fire, muskets, and bugles. It was an odd mix of a wine tasting, craft fair, and a Napoleonic battle that mingled sights and sounds in a way I was not used to when witnessing a battle re-enactment. To make things a little more off, this was the "summer" version of the battle that originally took place in early December of 1805. This occasion was more for the commemoration of Napoleon's birthday but who am I to quibble with such things. The re-enactors were spot-on with their uniforms, pyrotechnics, and horsemanship. The calvary battle on Saturday was exciting and loud. I believe I got a taste of the scope of battle that was Napoleon's most complete victory known at the Battle of the Three Emperors.... except for it not being a snow covered field in December:-)

The museum in the Chateau was impressive as well. A mixture of hands-on education and several digital and interactive video presentations helped to add to the experience of the day's events. However, I felt the need to see the Peace Memorial in the town of Prace to get a complete feel for the battle. The memorial looms over one of the highest points of this large battlefield and it does inspire reflection. It commemorates the loss of life on all sides of this engagement. In all, this was well worth the drive across the Republic. Who knows, maybe I can make the Austerlitz winter re-enactment in December to get the real feel of this historic event. 


-Pete

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