By Eryk Michael Smith
(Photos via Li Sih-ping [李思平] and the Kaohsiung City Government)
No, these pics aren’t deleted scenes from The Life of Brian. It’s just another Saturday in Kaohsiung with Li Sih-ping (李思平), a military history enthusiast turned founder of the LARP (Live Action Role-Playing) group “Romans of Kaohsiung.” What started as a fascination with ancient military tactics has become a full-blown historical combat experience — complete with armor, shields, and swords. (Made of foam… most of the time, they say.)
This is no ordinary cosplay. The dedication is impressive: they march, shout Latin commands, and re-enact tactical maneuvers. They’ve reportedly staged battles with up to a hundred participants. More than a few women are among the ranks, making “The Romans of Kaohsiung” strong contenders for the title of the city’s coolest history nerds.
Under Li’s guidance, even schoolchildren have joined the fun of pretending to slaughter enemies in the name of Caesar. (This outdoor activity is clearly a superior option over pretending to kill things online and indoors.) “We’re not just playing,” Li says. “We’re using our bodies to understand the past — and to show the world that Kaohsiung’s got imagination, heart, and a great sense of humor.”
So, should you one day hear someone shouting “Testudo formation!” in a Kaohsiung park — don’t panic. It’s almost certainly just a bunch of Li Sih-ping’s (李思平), modern Romans engaged in some Veni, Vidi, LARPi.
