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Thousands re-enact Germany's bloodiest Napoleonic battle
Some 6,000 history buffs will dress up in period military costume to re-enact one of Germany's bloodiest battles, the Battle of the Nations. French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated near Leipzig in October 1813 by forces from Russia, Austria, Prussia and Sweden. Tens of thousands of spectators will attend the reconstruction, described as a "reconciliation". However, Church leaders object to the battle being turned into a game. They see Sunday's event as tantamount to glorifying the carnage of war.
An ecumenical service was held in the town of Roetha on Saturday to mark the 200th anniversary of the event - also known as the Battle of Leipzig.
The night before, European Parliament President Martin Schulz gave a speech at a memorial to the battle warning of a resurgence of nationalism.
An estimated 600,000 soldiers took part in the series of battles from 16-19 October 1813 and almost 100,000 of them lost their lives.
The victory of the allies - including a small British contingent - over Napoleon marked the end of his control of German territory.
Organisers say their controversial re-enactment is intended to be peaceful and to bring history alive. Many of the thousands taking part have grown period-style moustaches to match their 19th Century replica uniforms.
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