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  • Sunday July 10 is held in Massy, ​​in Essonne, "the first modern event of ancient sports", organized by the Bebros association, specialized in the historical reconstruction of pre-Roman Gaul.

  • Among the disciplines presented, there will be Senocatoi, a sword-shield combat sport, created by Ariane and Philippe Egert, founding couple of Bebros.

Ariane and Philippe Egert are a bit like Mr. and Mrs.

Weasley, Ron's parents in Harry Potter, from Massy (Essonne).

A little crazy, but eminently complicit and sympathetic.

Except that their cupboards aren't stocked with magic wands and brooms but with swords and shields.

And not just any swords, Gallic swords from before Julius Caesar.

As an invasion of Roman legions is unlikely, this ancient material is used by this couple for historical re-enactment and sports fights.

But before going any further, let's go back to the beginning of the story, when Ariane and Philippe Egert "fell into the cauldron", as they say.

"We both fell in love with this period almost eight years ago," says Ariane.

It was at the archaeological park of Samara (near Amiens), where there was a Gallic event.

Since then, the couple has founded a cultural and historical reconstruction association, Bebros.

“Bebros is the Gallic name of the Bièvre river which crosses Massy, ​​it is for local anchoring, reveals Philippe.

Besides Bebros means beaver in Gallic and it gave

beave

r in English.

“But Philippe is not connected that etymology.

He is also passionate about combat sports, with 20 years of fencing and knowledge of karate.

From shields to chain

“In my fencing club, they had opened a medieval section and I decided to try it out,” he says.

Except that the nag aspect, the multiple bruises and the cost of the equipment (“about 1,500 euros”) put off our fighter.

But not being a man to let himself be defeated, Philippe decided to launch, five years ago, his own historic combat sport, the Senocatoi, ancient combat in Gallic, which became the sports section of Bebros.

What could only have been a joke takes on substance over time and today, about fifteen people train weekly, sword and shield in their hands.

“These are constructed sporting oppositions which take place in safety”, specifies Ariane, who obviously knows how to handle the Gallic sword.

For rules and techniques, Philippe trained with the Branno Teuta reconstruction association, which specializes in Gaul from the 3rd century BC.

"It's a sport in constant evolution," he says.

You learn it with others, by meeting other clubs.

“In particular with gladiatorial clubs located in Arles (Bouches-du-Rhône) or Saintes (Charente-Maritime).

No less than 27 shields made

For equipment, “we are researching shields and swords, says Ariane.

We rely on archaeological discoveries, such as a sword found near Rungis.

"We try to make the reconstructions as faithful as possible", engages Philippe who points to a shield in red hues: "The protection around is made of pig guts and it is painted with ochres from Roussillon".

"And I'm the one who makes the paints," says Ariane.

In seven years, the couple made 27 shields, some of which were sold to followers of the Senocatoi.

But for DIY enthusiasts, there is a tutorial for making your own shield.

For sports practice, the fighters are also equipped with a fencing helmet and a breastplate.

“For the sword, we use a plastic simulator, explains Ariane.

It's not at all dangerous, there are just a few bruises from time to time.

In representation, on the other hand, they are metal swords and Gallic helmets.

“Dream Bigger”

But, like PSG, Ariane and Philippe Egert dream bigger and a year ago, the sports section of Bebros joined the French Federation of Modern Pentathlon (FFPM), which recently opened a historical sports option.

And as with a view to the 2024 Olympics, the FFPM wishes to inflate its workforce, the opportunity has made the thief.

Especially since “the IOC has the ambition to combine sport and culture, so our integration seemed natural”, adds Ariane.

And at the same time, Philippe is in the process of passing the federal patent to be a sports animator stamped FFPM.

Our off-road file

With this affiliation, Bebros organizes Sunday in Massy * "the first modern event of ancient sports".

On the program, Senocatoi – “with the rules that we have written and validated by the Fed” –, a team gladiatorial event and Greek athletics (pentabond and arms race).

“We have about twenty registered from all over France for the day, specifies Ariane.

We are hoping for last minute registrations.

As it's a small environment, most of the fighters already know each other.

And it is for example Brice Lopez, a recognized figure in re-enactments of gladiator fights, who will arbitrate these.

Moreover, the Senocatoi referees received specific training on Saturday so that they can recognize and sanction "dangerous and unfriendly gestures".

History not to spoil the party.

* Meeting of ancient sports, from 10 a.m. on Sunday July 10, at the Villaine gymnasium in Massy.

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