Napoleon's victory against Russian-Austrian joint army re-enacted in Czech Republic
History enthusiasts dressed in regimental costumes fire a cannon as they take part in a re-enactment of Napoleon's famous battle of Austerlitz, celebrating its 211th anniversary near Slavkov u Brna, Czech Republic on Dec. 3, 2016. (AP Photo)
by
Dec 04, 2016 12:00 am


More than a thousand history buffs gathered in the Czech Republic on Saturday for a re-enactment of the Battle of Austerlitz, in which Napoleon crushed the Austrian and Russian armies in 1805.

"We have soldiers from about twelve countries of the world, including Austria, France, Russia, but also Belgium, Italy or Poland," organiser Miroslav Jandora told.

On December 2, 1805, Napoleon's army took its rivals by surprise after feigning reluctance to fight the two armies near Austerlitz, modern day Slavkov, a town some 200 kilometres (125 miles) southeast of Prague.

Historical re-enactment enthusiasts dressed as soldiers revive the Austerlitz battle scenes on Dec. 3, 2016 near Slavkov u Brna, Czech Republic. (AA Photo)
Historical re-enactment enthusiasts dressed as soldiers march on the Austerlitz battle field on December 3, 2016 prior a re-enactment of Napoleon's famous battle of Austerlitz. (AFP Photo)
History enthusiasts dressed as soldiers take part in a re-enactment of Napoleon's 1805 Battle of Austerlitz near the South Moravian city of Slavkov. (AFP Photo)
An actor, dressed as French Emperor Napoleon I, rides his horse before the re-enactment of Napoleon's famous battle of Austerlitz. (Reuters Photo)
Historical re-enactment enthusiasts dressed as soldiers revive the Austerlitz battle scenes on Dec. 3, 2016 near Slavkov u Brna, Czech Republic. (AA Photo)
History enthusiasts dressed in regiment costumes fire their rifles in the re-enactment of the Austerlitz battle. Dec. 3, 2016. (AA Photo)
Historical re-enactment enthusiasts dressed as soldiers cook ahead of a re-enactment of battle of Austerlitz. (Reuters Photo)
History enthusiasts dressed in regimental costumes fire a cannon, celebrating its 211th anniversary of the battle of Austerlitz on Dec. 3, 2016. (AA Photo)
Historical re-enactment enthusiast dressed as a soldier leaves his tent on December 03, 2016 in Tvarozna prior a re-enactment of Napoleon's famous battle of Austerlitz. (AFP Photo)
History enthusiasts dressed in regimental costumes take part in a re-enactment of the battle of Austerlitz. (AP Photo)
History enthusiasts dressed in regimental costumes take part in a re-enactment of the battle of Austerlitz. (AP Photo)

The 71,000 soldiers of Napoleon's "Grande Armée" beat the 91,000 men of the combined Russian and Austrian armies in less than six hours.

Considered Napoleon's finest tactical masterpiece, the "Battle of the Three Emperors" left 28,000 dead.

"Every year we re-enact a part of the battle. This year we are doing the fight for the Prace Heights, the crucial part of the battle," said Jandora.

American actor Mark Schneider, playing the role of Napoleon on Saturday, hailed the 1805 battle as "Napoleon's greatest victory". "There is no doubt the French army will emerge victorious at the end of the day," he told on horseback before leading his troops to victory.

Last Update: December 04, 2016 15:30