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Enthusiasts re-enact bloody 19th-century Battle of Leipzig

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Enthusiasts re-enact bloody 19th-century Battle of Leipzig
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News

Enthusiasts re-enact bloody 19th-century Battle of Leipzig

2018-10-21 00:42 Last Updated At：01:19

Hundreds of history buffs have re-enacted the 19th-century Battle of Leipzig, which saw the defeat of Napoleon I's army by combined forces from Prussia, Austria, Russia and Sweden.

Enthusiasts from across Europe, dressed in period costumes, fired muskets and cannons at each other Saturday as spectators looked on near Germany's eastern city of Leipzig.

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Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)
Troops arrive during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops arrive during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)
Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)
Riders arrive during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Riders arrive during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)
Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)
Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)
Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)
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Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops arrive during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops arrive during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Riders arrive during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Riders arrive during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

The Battle of Leipzig took place from Oct. 16-19, 1813. It pitted hundreds of thousands of soldiers against each other and is considered one of the bloodiest battles in European history.

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

 Troops arrive during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops arrive during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)
Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

 Riders arrive during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Riders arrive during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

 Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

 Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)
Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

Troops fight during the reconstruction of the Battle of the Nations at the 205th anniversary near Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. The Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations, on 16–19 October 1813, was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon. The battle decided that Napoleon had to retreat to France, the beginning of his downfall. (AP PhotoJens Meyer)

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Bulgarians began withdrawing euros for the first time on Thursday after the former communist nation joined the euro currency union as its 21st member.

Cash machines in the capital, Sofia, dispensed brand new euro banknotes, replacing the lev, which will still be in use for cash payments in January. However, people will receive only euros in change.

The country of nearly 6.7 million people was one of the poorest when it first became a member of the European Union in 2007. Joining the European single-currency system means deeper EU integration after its 1989 transition from a Soviet-style economy to democracy and free markets.

However, the historic milestone arrives amid political instability, with the conservative-led government forced to resign earlier this month following nationwide anti-corruption protests, and skepticism among ordinary people, fueled by fears of price rises.

The government had to beat down inflation to 2.7% earlier this year to comply with EU rules and win approval from EU leaders. But its resignation left the country without a regular budget for next year, hampering reforms and the use of the 27-member bloc's support funds, fueling protests.

Nationalist and pro-Russian groups in Bulgaria have also exploited fears that the switch to the euro will allegedly lead to more poverty and loss of national identity.

Countries that join the EU commit to the euro, but actually joining can take years and some members are in no hurry. Croatia was the last to join in 2023.

A woman poses as she holds new euro coins with Bulgarian symbols in Sofia in front of Bulgarian National Bank, Saturday Dec. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

A woman poses as she holds new euro coins with Bulgarian symbols in Sofia in front of Bulgarian National Bank, Saturday Dec. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

 A map of Bulgaria with the EU symbol is projected on the Bulgarian National Bank as people celebrate New Year's Eve and Bulgaria's adoption of the euro in Sofia, Bulgaria, Thursday Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

A map of Bulgaria with the EU symbol is projected on the Bulgarian National Bank as people celebrate New Year's Eve and Bulgaria's adoption of the euro in Sofia, Bulgaria, Thursday Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)
A woman holds sparklers during the celebration of the New Year and Bulgaria's adoption of euro in front of Bulgarian National Bank in Sofia, enlighten by Euro coins projection, Thursday Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

A woman holds sparklers during the celebration of the New Year and Bulgaria's adoption of euro in front of Bulgarian National Bank in Sofia, enlighten by Euro coins projection, Thursday Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

 Bulgarians sing and shout as they celebrate the New Year and Bulgaria's adoption of the euro in front of the Bulgarian National Bank in Sofia, Bulgaria, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

Bulgarians sing and shout as they celebrate the New Year and Bulgaria's adoption of the euro in front of the Bulgarian National Bank in Sofia, Bulgaria, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)
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