“Napoleon” returned to the Italian island of Elba on Sunday last week, as part of a historical re-enactment to mark the 200th anniversary of the defeated French emperor’s exile.
Hundreds of enthusiasts from across Europe came together for the start of bicentenary celebrations that will last for the 10 months Napoleon stayed on the Tuscan island.
Sailing on a ship like the one used by the real Napoleon, Roberto Colla, a 59-year-old-doctor in a bicorne hat, arrived to a crowd in period costume.
Photo: AFP
The key to being a good Napoleon was being “humble” and remembering that the famous Corsican “stayed with his soldiers — he was one of them,” Colla said.
Colla owns about 600 books about Napoleon, reflecting a historical passion shared with other re-enactors.
Men in period military uniforms, with swords and mustaches galore, roamed the island along with women in flowing robes preparing to welcome the hero of the day.
“It’s atmospheric, it’s come alive... It makes you feel like you’re there, you’re back there,” said Ann Cockerton, a history graduate from Britain who wore a dress with a large decollete that she had designed herself.
“We like traveling and commemorating these things because we love history and a lot of us admire the emperor,” she said, admitting that it was difficult being a Napoleon fan while living in famous enemy Britain.
One of the soldiers guarding “Napoleon” was Frenchman Serge, a member of a historical association that every year restages the battle of Waterloo in which Napoleon was finally defeated by the British and Prussians.
“I started when I was 17 for fun. I liked the uniform, but then I got into it. I became passionate about history,” the 42-year-old said as he showed off his rifle.
Jean-Michel Achalle, a 33-year-old Parisian dressed as a horse guard, said it was an “extremely moving” experience.
“The atmosphere and the emotions are very strong,” he said.
The fiery Corsican was exiled to Elba after his forced abdication in 1814 following the Treaty of Fontainebleau with the Austrian Empire, Prussia and Russia.
He was installed as sovereign of the Italian island, although it was patrolled by Britain’s Royal Navy.
During his stay on Elba, Napoleon rested from his battles, went hunting and organized grand balls. However, he was also an active local governor of his tiny kingdom, completing large public works projects, including roads, schools, a hospital and a theater.
“Napoleon” certainly received a triumphant welcome on Sunday, with a cannon salute and cheers from hundreds of people in the port.
However, there was one jarring detail: As he was handed the keys to the island at a ceremony, a drone buzzed overhead.
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