A summary of our activities

The Hetaireia Palatiou has two aspects, one civilian and the other military, which complement each other. Participants may partake of either or both. (Note that pointing your mouse at a link on this page will open a picture window showing an image from elsewhere on this site. Just close them to return to this page. If you do not like pop up windows, stay away from the links!)

The civilian aspect

aims to recreate the activites of the court at Constantinople – ceremonies and banquets, clad in the resplendent regalia which which so overawed visitors from the West, and the less formal activities of balls (dancing at the time included both group dances such as survivive in the Balkans folk tradition, the form known today as “belly dancing” and types of martial and theatrical dance), sports (archery, equestrian games and so on) and “hunting parties” (camping trips in modern terms).

The military aspect

depicts an elite palace guard unit. At times its members don spectacular dress uniforms to perform ceremonial guard duties in association with the civilian aspect of the Hetaireia Palatiou It is not just all show, however, for this unit trains with the techniques and drill that created and sustained the empire across two thousand years, and which form the basis for all modern military training. In addition to demonstrating such drill, the soldiers of the Hetaireia from time to time cross swords with other societies in battle enactments.

Supporting these activites is a wide variety of arts, crafts and activites – cookery, metalwork, woodwork, textile and leather crafts, music and more. Some other possibilities may be found here.

The Hetaireia Palatiou is presently most active in the north of England, but welcomes like minded people everywhere. Download a membership form here.

Services available

Education is an important part of the society's activities. In addition to providing engrossing living history displays in all manner of situations, members of Hetaireia Palatiou have decades of experience amongst them in providing education and information presentations to audiences which range from primary school pupils to adult education programs to academics. Please use the contact link to obtain further information as to how the Hetaireia Palatiou can assist your organisation or event.