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The Vehi Mercatus magazine

Everyday life, craftsmanship and history, from antiquity to the Renaissance.

135 articles new every week by Sandra and Daniel

Browse by era and topic

The archive

Topics

135 articles

Our series

Myth or truth?

Our fact checks clear up clichés about the Middle Ages, the Vikings and antiquity.

  1. 01Pollice verso: What did the thumb really signify during gladiatorial combat?Antiquity · 11 min
  2. 02Ancient Poisonings in Rome: The Empire’s Most Notorious Female Poisoners17 min
  3. 03Gladiators: Did they really always fight to the death? – A historical fact checkAntiquity · 21 min
  4. 04Viking names and their quirky meanings – Nose-Björn & Co.Viking Age · 18 min
  5. 05Animal trials in the Middle Ages: When rats stood trialMiddle Ages · 13 min
Antiquity · Clothing & fashion

Clothing in ancient Greece: chiton, peplos and himation

Chiton, peplos, himation: how did the ancient Greeks really dress? We reveal what fabrics revealed about social standing and status – and how little tailoring was required.

14 minSandra
From reading to the warehouse

Themed worlds in the shop

Middle Ages · Myth & fact

Animal trials in the Middle Ages: When rats stood trial

Rats in the dock, pigs before the judge: animal trials were a matter of the utmost seriousness in the Middle Ages. How such proceedings unfolded and what lay behind them.

13 minSandra
Viking Age · Myth & fact

How tall were Vikings really? Height vs. legend

Two metres tall and with horns? The stereotype of the giant Viking persists. What skeletal finds and research actually reveal about their height is astonishing.

21 minSandra
Antiquity · History

The Olympic Games: History, Significance and the Present Day

From Zeus to Paris: The Olympic Games combine ancient tradition with modern world politics. How did this religious festival evolve into a global movement – and what challenges does it face today?

22 minSandra
Middle Ages · Myth & fact

Was Robin Hood a real person? Myth versus history

Was Robin Hood really a flesh-and-blood person? Court records, chronicles and ballads provide surprising clues – but the truth is more complex than we might think.

19 minSandra
Viking Age · Faith & myths

Asgard – Home of the Norse gods

Valhalla, Bifröst, Ragnarök – few mythologies capture the imagination quite like that of the Norse gods. And right at the heart of it all: Asgard. More than just a heavenly castle...

15 minSandra
Viking Age · Crafts & material culture

Viking longships: construction, use and finds

Viking ships were among the most remarkable structures of the Middle Ages. How were they built, what were they used for – and what have excavations revealed?

8 minSandra
All about the hobby

Ask Narök: Your new advisor in the shop

From now on, Frag-Narök will be on hand to guide you through our shop: he’ll help you find the right outfit, answer any questions you may have about your order, and let you know when the next market is.

3 min
Middle Ages · Daily life & culture

Beowulf - The oldest heroic epic in English literature

Imagine a world where the flickering of torches is the only source of light in vast wooden halls, where warriors drink their mead and singers recount the deeds of long- — and where monsters crawl out of the marshes to devour people. This is the world of Beowulf, one of the most fascinating literary…

18 minSandra
Antiquity · History

Pax Romana - heyday of the Roman Empire

200 years of peace, prosperity and culture: the Pax Romana shaped an empire stretching from Europe to North Africa. What defines this era – and why it continues to fascinate us to this day.

13 minSandra
Middle Ages · Clothing & fashion

The history of the glove in the Middle Ages

The medieval glove was far more than just a simple item of clothing designed to protect the hands. Below, we explore the fascinating history of the glove in the Middle Ages.

11 minSandra
Middle Ages · Crafts & material culture

Tristan and Isolde

Forbidden love, a knight and a princess: the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde inspired Wagner to create a masterpiece. What lies behind it?

12 minSandra
Middle Ages · Daily life & culture

Music of the Middle Ages

Gregorian chant, troubadours, minnesang: medieval music is more diverse than many people realise. Discover how this musical world came into being and continues to influence us today.

10 minSandra
Middle Ages · History

From the life of Richard the Lionheart

Crusades, captivity and a ransom that shook a kingdom to its core – the life of Richard I is full of contradictions. We take a look behind the myth.

19 minSandra
Middle Ages · Crafts & material culture

Medicinal plants: Effect, application and important examples

Medicinal plants have been part of human life for thousands of years. Find out which herbs are effective, how to use them, and what role they played in medieval monastic medicine.

18 minSandra
Antiquity · Faith & myths

Zeus - father of the gods, sky god and ruler of Olympus

Zeus – Father of the Gods, hurler of thunderbolts, ruler of the world. Who was this mighty god of the heavens really? We delve into 2,700 years of myth, filled with power, betrayal and passion.

11 minSandra
Antiquity · History

The Roman Empire: history, society and aftermath

For over 1,200 years, the Roman Empire shaped three continents. How it came into being, how it functioned, and how its influence continues to this day – a look at Rome’s enduring legacy.

17 minSandra
Middle Ages · History

Hildegard of Bingen

Hildegard von Bingen: mystic, herbalist and church figure – why this medieval figure could be a fascinating source of inspiration for your next LARP character.

17 minSandra
Viking Age · Faith & myths

Thor: The god of thunder in Norse mythology

Thor, the Norse god of thunder, continues to fascinate people to this day. Find out more about Mjölnir, his strength and his role as protector of the Vikings.

9 minSandra
Middle Ages · Myth & fact

Robin Hood - The hero of Sherwood Forest

Outlaw, folk hero, or both? Robin Hood has fascinated people for over 700 years. We take a look at the legend behind the man from Sherwood Forest.

9 minSandra
Middle Ages · History

The Magna Carta

How King John, having lost his lands, was forced to sign the Magna Carta in 1215 – and in doing so unwittingly laid the foundations for modern civil liberties.

15 minSandra
Middle Ages · Daily life & culture

Women in the Middle Ages

What roles did women really play in the Middle Ages? Between everyday life, power and society – a look at an often underestimated chapter in history.

15 minSandra
Middle Ages · History

Charlemagne

Charlemagne – conqueror, reformer, visionary. Who was the man who left a lasting mark on Europe? A look at the life and legacy of a ruler.

14 minSandra
Middle Ages · History

Persecution of witches

The witch hunts: mass hysteria, abuse of power or religious zeal? We shed light on what really lies behind one of history’s darkest chapters.

14 minSandra
From the shop

Our market calendar is online

Find medieval markets faster: our market calendar brings together dates, locations and information for the season – without having to spend ages searching through countless websites or groups.

5 minDaniel
From the shop

20 years of Vehi Mercatus

Twenty years. One scene. Lots of people. It isn’t us who made Vehi Mercatus possible in the first place — it’s you.

8 minSandra
Middle Ages · From the shop

Leather care: Treat medieval belts, bags & shoes correctly

Whether it’s a leather belt, a belt pouch or leather boots – if you look after your medieval gear properly, it will last you a long time. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean your leather items after the market, store them correctly and protect them from rain and dirt.

14 minDaniel
Middle Ages · All about the hobby

Getting into the medieval hobby - information for beginners

Medieval Hobbies 2026: From your first visit to a market to putting on your own re-enactment. We’ll show you which costumes really matter, how to find groups, and how to avoid typical beginner’s mistakes.

16 minDaniel
Middle Ages · Daily life & culture

Medieval fair: A festival of traditions

But what exactly makes a medieval fair so special? And why does it still hold such a fascination today? In this article, you’ll find out more...

12 min
Middle Ages · All about the hobby

Hear the news

The domain of the Lords of Waldeck is situated in the Bavarian Oberland, in what is now the district of Miesbach (Muespach). Find out more here...

1 min
Middle Ages · All about the hobby

Knight of the Zarg

Hear ye, hear ye! The Knights of Zarg aim to bring the medieval period in the Nordgau region, as well as the history of Dagestein Castle and the Bamberg bailiwick of Vilseck, to life for people, particularly young people. For this reason, the group does not portray any specific historical figures…

2 min
Middle Ages · All about the hobby

Larp & Medieval Association Hochheim e.V.

What started as a small group of friends who got together in 2015 has now become a non-profit association with over thirty members.

2 min
All about the hobby

Vendera e. V.

Our group was formed in 2012 from a circle of friends who discovered their shared enthusiasm for LARP in their younger years.

1 min
Middle Ages · From the shop

Medieval tent: tips and recommendations

Medieval tents are not only historical relics, but also practical accommodation for reenactments, LARP events and medieval markets. They play an important role in depicting and recreating historical ways of life across different eras. In this article, you will learn about the different types of…

10 min
Middle Ages · Daily life & culture

King Arthur: myth and history

Who was King Arthur and what makes him so fascinating even today? Was he a real historical figure or merely a mythical character?

14 min
Middle Ages · History

The Vikings: Amazing facts and exciting stories

The Vikings – Scandinavian seafarers and warriors – are commonly regarded as savage barbarians, but they were in fact a highly complex and fascinating culture. Find out more...

17 min
Antiquity · All about the hobby

IG Imperium Romanum

We try not only to experience the Roman life of our ancestors 2000 years ago, but also to live it. Find out more here...

1 min
All about the hobby

Batavis Gladii e.V.

We try not only to experience the Roman life of our ancestors 2000 years ago, but also to live it. Find out more here...

2 min
Middle Ages · Faith & myths

Imbolc: The Celtic festival of light and renewal

Imbolc is a Celtic festival celebrated on 1 February that marks the beginning of spring and the return of light. Find out more in this article...

13 min
Middle Ages · All about the hobby

Falkensteiner Ritterbund e.V.

An association that carries the tradition and honour of the age of chivalry into the modern age. The Falkenstein Knights' Association introduces itself here. Find out more here...

2 min
Middle Ages · Clothing & fashion

Colours in the Middle Ages: origins, techniques and symbolism

In the Middle Ages, colours were much more than just vivid decorative elements; they were important components of social, religious and cultural life. Find out more in this article... What you can expect in this article The most important facts at a glance The significance of colours and dyeing in…

18 min
Middle Ages · Daily life & culture

Rough nights: rituals and customs for a contemplative time

The Rauhnächte are a time full of mysticism and traditions, a magical time when the boundary between this world and the next becomes permeable. Find out more here... What you can expect in this article The most important information at a glance What are the Rauhnächte? What are Rauhnächte? Origin…

11 min
From the shop

in time delivery for Christmas

Wondering if your parcel will arrive in time for the festive season? Find out more about our Christmas delivery promise.

1 min
Middle Ages · Faith & myths

St Nicholas: From the Bishop of Myra to Santa Claus

Saint Nicholas of Myra († 6 December 343) is one of the most popular figures among Christian saints. Read more about Nicholas' life here... What you can expect in this article Origin and childhood Ordination and rise to bishop Bishop of Myra – A life dedicated to the poor and needy Nicholas and his…

11 min
From the shop

new voucher system

In keeping with the season and the annual question of what to give your loved ones, we have implemented a new voucher system with advantages for you.

1 min
Middle Ages · Faith & myths

The life and legacy of St Martin of Tours

Martin of Tours (c. 316–397 AD) is a very well-known and popular saint in the Western Church, especially in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity. Read more here... What you can expect in this article Origin and childhood Military career and conversion Departure from the military and life as a monk…

9 min
From the shop

New Renaissance period shoe model Caspar in the range

Discover Caspar - our latest shoe model! These detailed cow´s mouth shoes are available in two appealing color variations. They combine comfort and style and are the perfect addition to any outfit.

1 min
Middle Ages · Clothing & fashion

Clothing in the Middle Ages

How were people dressed in the Middle Ages? Learn all about the fabrics, colours and cuts used in our article on clothing in the Middle Ages.

12 min
Middle Ages · History

When did the Middle Ages end? In which century?

When did the Middle Ages actually end, and why? Read our article on the end of the Middle Ages and learn a lot about events from the period between the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

7 min
From the shop

sustainable packaging

The cartons: Our cartons are manufactured with a large proportion of recycled fibers. A study by the Technical University of Darmstadt has also shown that the fiber life cycle is almost unlimited. This means that a carton that can be recycled becomes a carton again and again.... Since the end of…

2 min
Middle Ages · From the shop

Our medieval market is ready!

Want to get the medieval market feeling again? We might have something for you then...

1 min
From the shop

Service-oriented parcel receipt

We take care of our shipments throughout the entire shipping process and thus ensure a frustration-free parcel receipt.

1 min

Since 2006part of the medieval scene
4.84 out of 5 2,531 reviews
Shop on siteRosenau 16a, Rinchnach

Customer reviews

4.84

out of 5 · from 2,531 reviews on 3 platforms

Overall score: average of all reviews on these platforms, weighted by their number and updated daily. Buyers are invited to leave a review after their order, today via Trusted Shops, previously via Shopauskunft. We cannot verify whether Google reviews come from buyers.