Introduction
The Adrian Empire, Inc. is a non-profit, educational organization that re-creates history from the time frame of 1066 - 1603 AD. This narrow time frame covers what was known as the Middle Ages (Medieval) through the Renaissance period to the end the reign of Queen Elisabeth I of England. The information below will give you a better idea of our organization, its goals, and the people in it. In getting to know us, it is hoped that it will spark an interest in you that will have you wanting to join us. Also feel free to peruse our main website: http://www.adrianempire.org
Who we are
Members of the Adrian Empire cover a very diverse cross-section of today’s modern society, from many different areas, all with one common interest - the desire to learn more about Medieval history. Just like us, you have probably seen a movie or play that had knights in armor fighting, nobles plotting grand schemes, or explorers setting out to discover the world. Or you might have played a computer or video game set in a Medieval world. You probably wondered, "What was it really like?", but didn’t know where to go to find out. Worse, the thought of reading book after book and still not getting the feel of what Medieval life was all about had no appeal. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could learn about history by doing the history?
What we do
That is where the Adrian Empire comes in. Our members attend events to learn and teach history by doing history. We do history by re-creating the atmosphere of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. We re-create history by becoming a character that could have lived during our time period, but not actual famous characters known from history. Instead, we choose an area from the known world at that time and create our character based on what we know about the people that would have lived there. Don’t worry if you have no idea what your character would be, you can learn and grow into your persona. Many members have done just that.
But that is not all we do! Members learn how to fight with real swords in real armor, or learn about the arts and sciences of the time, or learn how to shoot a bow. These activities allow members (men and women) to earn a knighthood based on their experience and skill in the activity. Members may also earn a knighthood by doing service for the organization. Whatever the path to becoming a knight, members also learn what it is to be a knight. Chivalry isn’t just a word bandied about. It suddenly has meaning!
Members participate at fighter practices, demonstrations, tournaments, feasts, and wars. Our Crowns (the ruling nobles) hold courts at events, bringing the feeling of being in the Middle Ages to each gathering. Each event has its own opportunity to learn something new, or to teach others something a member has learned. And every member, young or old, male or female, is given the chance to participate. Truly a family oriented experience!
Where we are
The Empire of Adria has chartered subdivisions from the east coast to the west coast of the United States, and points in between. There are even groups in other countries. The chartered subdivision in our area is called the Archduchy of Alhambra, which comprises of Washington, Idaho, Western Montana. There are core groups in Moscow ID, Spokane WA, Tri-Cities WA and Seattle/Tacoma WA, and Kalispel MT.
Alhambra (originally under the name of Caerleon) was created in the Pacific Northwest as a single Shire. This was an experiment in growing vast tracts of land as a single entity. The Shire grew to a Duchy, and then to an Archduchy. The Archduchy grew into a distinctive and unique culture. There were interests by the former Archduke/Archduchess which Adria could not accommodate (equestrian tournaments, etc.), so these leaders left to form an organization of their own, with the blessings and encouragement of the Adrian populace and government. The members changed the subdivision name to Alhambra (from a red-stone castle in Grenada/Spain that was a medieval center of education, culture and commerce) to reflect its re-born status, and it continues to thrive, grow, and prosper.
Alhambra is one of the largest subdivision of the Empire in terms of land. It is also one of the friendliest groups anyone would ever want to visit. There are no strangers in Alhambra! It has a unique and distinctive culture as there is much interest in middle-Eastern history/culture, Gypsies, Scots, Vikings, and the Orient, as well as the central European history of the middle ages.
When we do things
The Adrian Empire began in 1984, and has been holding some kind of event ever since. Tournaments are held monthly and there are two Wars scheduled each year. Typically, events are scheduled for weekends and practices, workshops, movie nights, etc. are on week day evenings. Each chartered subdivision has its own event schedule, and individual groups such as Estates or Guilds might also have something scheduled. The Alhambra Yahoo discussion board (free - the web address is listed below) is where we plan events, hold general discussions, and communicate across our Subdivision. Please feel free to join and to ask any questions you may have.
Why we do this
To have fun! Members enjoy the learning process because the activities are fun. Members teach others because they want to share what they enjoy. We have a community that also enjoys each others company. Come out to an event and see what we do. You are sure to have an enjoyable experience!
Structure
The Adrian Empire is a feudal-styled parliamentary republic. From the top down, every member is directly represented by someone within the organization. And, unlike modern parliamentary governments such as that of England, our current ruling nobles (Crowns) share in the political process.
The Adrian Empire is composed of the following groups:
The Imperial Estates - which include the Emperor and Empress (the corporate President and Vice President), and any Imperial lands such as Shires.
Kingdom - regional chartered subdivisions which have members that number 100 or more. Ruled by a King and Queen.
ArchDuchy - regional chartered subdivisions, which have members that number between 50 and 99. Ruled by an ArchDuke and ArchDuchess.
Duchy - regional chartered subdivisions, which have members that number between 20 and 49. Ruled by a Duke and Duchess.
Estates – March, County, Barony or House, where members join together for a common cause or interest. They are ruled by a Marquis/Marquessa, Count/Countess, Baron/Baroness or Lord/Lady. A House is the smallest and has a minimum of 5 members. All Estates have voting privileges within Adria’s political structure.
Shire - newly formed regional chartered subdivisions, which have members that number between 1 and 19. They are ruled by a Viceroy/Vicerine as the voice of the Emperor and Empress.
Canton - newly formed regional group within a larger chartered subdivision, which have members that number between 1 and 5. They are ruled by a Viceroy/Vicerine as the voice of the Duchy/Archduchy until there are enough members for form Estates.
Knighthood
Knighthood in the Adrian Empire is awarded following a point based system. For each discipline; Arts & Sciences (crafts and skills of the time period), Archery, Combat (Shinai, Rapier, Heavy Steel), and Ministry (administration and service); there are certain time and skill milestones that must be met before advancing in rank. There are no restrictions to Knighthood based on gender, and only combat (for safety reasons) has a minimum age requirement (13-Shinai,16-Raiper,18-Steel). By learning about Medieval history while participating in the Adrian Empire, you are taking steps to become a Knight.
Want to know more?
Check us out for yourself. You don’t have to be a member to attend an event. Most events include a potluck, so bring the kids and join us for the day! View the calendar on the Alhambra Yahoo discussion group for event listings or email us. The more the merrier!
Yahoo Group/Discussion Board: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/duchy_of_alhambra/
How to Join Adria
Okay, so you know about us now and you think this is something you would like to do. So how do you join us? Simple, the home page has a link with instructions. Or, contact the Alhambra discussion group listed above and the local Hospitaller will assist you.
Get Medieval With Us!