Who we are

Lucilinburhuc is a Luxembourg-based non-profit association dedicated to living history and historical martial arts. Our members share a common interest in historical research, craftsmanship, and the practical exploration of past ways of life. Through our work, we aim to make history tangible, understandable, and engaging for a broad audience.

The historical periods we represent range from 800 B.C. to 1600 A.D., allowing us to explore a wide variety of cultures, techniques, and social contexts, from Antiquity to the early Renaissance.

The Origin of our Name

The name Lucilinburhuc means “small castle” and is one of the earliest recorded names of Luxembourg. It first appears in a deed dated 963, in which Siegfried I, Count of the Ardennes, exchanged parts of his ancestral lands with the monks of the Abbey of St. Maximin in Trier.

In return, he received an ancient fortification known as Lucilinburhuc, believed at the time to be of Roman origin. This site would later develop into the nucleus of what is now the city of Luxembourg. The name Lucilinburhuc thus stands at the very beginning of Luxembourg’s documented history.

By choosing this name, the association refers to the historical roots of the region and to the layered nature of history itself.

What we do

Lucilinburhuc regularly collaborates with museums, schools, and cultural institutions, and participates in cultural events and festivals throughout Europe. We create historically informed displays, demonstrations, and educational programmes tailored to different audiences.

Our activities include:

• Living history displays and historical camps

• Educational programmes for schools and museums

• Interactive demonstrations for families and children

• Presentations of historical martial arts

• Craft and skill demonstrations rooted in historical practice

Our goal is not only to present historical objects or techniques, but to place them within their broader social and cultural context.

Our approach

Our work is based on a combination of source-based research, experimental archaeology, traditional craftsmanship, and active knowledge exchange. Historical sources, archaeological findings, and academic research form the foundation of our reconstructions.

Experimental archaeology allows us to test hypotheses through practical application, while craftsmanship plays a central role in understanding materials, tools, and techniques of the past. Public interaction and dialogue are an essential part of our approach, helping to bridge the gap between research and lived experience.

Learning and Community

At the heart of Lucilinburhuc lies a strong sense of community. The exchange of knowledge between members and the shared process of learning are central to our association. Skills and experience are passed on through collaboration, discussion, and hands-on practice.

We welcome curiosity, critical thinking, and mutual support, and see our association as a space where historical knowledge is continuously explored and refined together.

Our mission

Lucilinburhuc is committed to the preservation, exploration, and communication of historical knowledge and cultural heritage. By combining research, craftsmanship, and public engagement, we strive to present history as something living, complex, and relevant.

Through our work, we aim to inspire interest in the past, encourage dialogue, and foster a deeper understanding of historical cultures and practices.