Middle Ages Sport PDF

Didactic Unit IV. Sport in the Middle Ages Topic 7. Early and Late Middle Ages History of Sport Prof. Dr. Alejandro Leiva Arcas Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences  Historical introduction Following the division of the Roman Empire by...

Didactic Unit IV. Sport in the Middle Ages Topic 7. Early and Late Middle Ages History of Sport Prof. Dr. Alejandro Leiva Arcas Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences  Historical introduction Following the division of the Roman Empire by Emperor Theodosius I between his two sons in 395 AD and the subsequent fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, Europe entered a period spanning nearly a millennium (from the 5th to the 15th century), culminating in the fall of Constantinople (capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire) to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 AD. This era was characterized by political and territorial Europe in 395 A.D. (division of the Roman Empire) instability, during which the future nation-states of Europe gradually began to take shape. It was marked by frequent wars of conquest and expansion, the growth of diplomacy, and the forging of alliances between kingdoms. Moreover, this was the historical period when Christianity became the dominant religion across Europe, shaping a collective mindset that evolved from superstition to the intellectual heights of Renaissance Humanism. Europe in 1000 A.D. (Feudalism) 2 Europe in 1500 AD (Late Middle Ages) 3 Historical introduction HIGH MIDDLE AGES LOW MIDDLE AGES (5TH-10TH CENTURIES) (11TH-15TH CENTURIES) Germanic invasions. Fall of the After the vikings invasions were over, structures of the Roman Empire. with the increase in security, there Insecurity, violence and constant was a demographic increase. warfare. Progressively, the cities became Agricultural society. Importance of active centres. The economy land ownership. flourished and a new social class Around the year 1000 Viking appeared: the bourgeoisie. invasions -> FEUDALISM. In the 14th century, new social and Rural and subsistence economy. economic conflicts arose due to the The Church, after the nobility, plays a outbreak of the Black Death (1348 leading role in social cohesion. AD). Slow recovery a century later. 4 Historical introduction 5  Sport in the Middle Ages General aspects Limited information is available due to the scarcity of sources. In comparison to the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages witnessed a radical decline in physical and sporting activityfor the following reasons: a) Catholic opposition to the violent, pagan, and exhibitionist nature of Roman sport. b) The widespread belief that time should be devoted to the "cultivation of the spirit" rather than to frivolous amusements or games. c) The harsh living conditions and the lack of free time for recreational activities. Additionally, a new concept of the human body emerged during this era, viewing it as a shameful burden designed solely to carry a soul in need of salvation. This perspective would remain dominant until the arrival of Renaissance humanism, which redefined the value and significance of the body. 6 Representation of the human anatomy in a 15th century German medical treatise.  Physical education in the Middle Ages? During the Middle Ages, physical education was removed from schools as it was considered a distraction from true spiritual education. Consequently, body culture was primarily relegated to popular festivals and celebrations, typically linked to agricultural cycles such as harvesting or sowing. In these settings, sporting games were often integrated to make manual labor more bearable (e.g., cutting logs, mowing fields, etc.). During such festivities, other activities were permitted, including strength competitions (e.g., weightlifting, wrestling, rope- pulling), athletic events (e.g., jumping, running), and archery tournaments, among others. The only social group that received formal physical education was the medieval knights, as part of their warrior training. 7  Caber toss Aizkolaris. Segalaris. Highland Games. Basque Rural Sport. Basque Rural Sport. Scotland. Spain. Spain. 8 European chivalry and its physical and sporting activities 9  Chivalry education The training process to become a knight was exclusive to young noblemen who had the financial means, representing one of two primary paths of education in the Middle Ages, alongside priestly education. Cavalry training was a long and demanding process, one of the few areas where physical training was highly valued as essential for the military defense of territory. The education of a future knight consisted of three distinct phases: 1. 6 to 12 years: Initial Training. The boy was sent to the castle of a noble knight for his preliminary education, where he learned politeness, etiquette, and chivalric history. He also assisted with castle chores and supported his lord during tournaments and jousts. At this stage, his physical training began, involving fighting, running, jumping, and fencing. 2. 12 to 16 years: Squire The boy was assigned to a knight of the Court, responsible for maintaining his weapons and horse. He accompanied the knight to tournaments, jousting matches, and battles, earning the right to carry a sword. His training included weapons practice with other squires, riding drills, and military strategy. 3. 16 years: Knighthood To be knighted, the aspirant needed a horse of his own and the Lord’s approval. The night before the investiture ceremony, he was required to stay awake, praying over his weapons. During the ceremony, an authority touched the aspirant's shoulders with a sword, and he was struck with a blow he had to endure without retaliation. The status of knight was symbolized by receiving a golden spur and a necklace. 10 Knight with his squire. Codex Manesse, Germany. AD 1305-1315.  The ideal of Chivalry Medieval knights were renowned for their warrior qualities and became synonymous with honor, courage, and loyalty. They were responsible for maintaining social order within the feudal system and were required to respond to the call of the lord to whom they had sworn vassalage. As the bellatores (warriors), their role was to protect the other social groups: the oratores (clerics) and the laboratores (peasants). In Spain, the legal framework of chivalry was defined by the Laws of the Seven Partidas (Las Siete Partidas, 1265 AD) authored by King Alfonso X "the Wise". This document established the requirements, obligations, and limitations of Castilian chivalry: Qualities: In addition to owning a mount, a knight had to be strong, courageous, resilient, and of noble lineagedating back at least three generations. Virtues: Knights were required to exhibit good manners, proficiency in skills, and unwavering loyalty. Incompatibilities: The status of knighthood could not be bought or sold. Any knight who gambled their weaponsor horse in a game of chance could be expelled from the knightly corps. 11 Representation of knights in the Laws of the Seven Partidas. 1265 AD.  Tournaments Tournaments were the most prominent festivities and celebrations during the Middle Ages, and for many historians, they represented the principal sporting expression of the era. These events were simulated battles between two groups of knights, conducted within a designated and enclosed area(arena). Participation was exclusively reserved for members of the cavalry corps. Tournaments were typically organized to commemorate special occasions, such as military victories, royal weddings, coronations, alliances, or Representation of a tournament in King René D'Anjou's the visits of other monarchs. "Book of Tournaments". Circa 1460. 12  Tournaments The origin of the tournaments is attributed to Godfrey II, lord of Lotharingia (France), sometime between 997 and 1069 AD. However, there are suspicions that tournaments may have been held earlier in northern Italy or England. Tournaments can be divided in two stages: a) First Stage Tournaments or "a mêlée". From the 11th to the early 13th centuries, these were characterized by a total absence of rules and the use of real weapons. They recreated the conditions of battle and were usually held in open fields with the agreement of two armies. Due to the brutality of these events, Pope Innocent III banned tournaments for several decades. b) Second period or "polite" tournaments. Beginning in the mid- 13th century and continuing through the 14th and 15th centuries, tournaments became regulated, were held in arenas, and used non-injurious weapons. These events took on the character of an exhibition and a social event. 13 Medieval Tournament. Codex Manesse, Germany. A.D. 1305-1315.  The (polite) tournaments The evolution of the mêlée tournament to the polite tournament brought with it the introduction of a series of rigid rules to ensure the safety of participants and provide entertainment for the public. However, the strictness of these events did not prevent accidents or deaths during them. The rules of the tournaments were compiled by René d'Anjou around 1460 AD. The main ones included: Do not hit an opponent with the tip of the weapon. Do not fight out of formation, from behind, or with several knights against one knight. Do not injure the opponent's horse. Strike only on the face and torso. The weapons used were considered "friendly" to the opponent: a) wooden spears, b) blunt swords, c) helmets, d) shields, e) chain-mail armor. There were shelters where knights could rest, change weapons, or switch mounts if necessary. In tournaments, there were often challenges and bets between knights, as well as prizes and rewards. However, much of the motivation for participation was driven by honor and the desire to win the admiration of the ladies of the court. 14 Collecting prizes at a tournament. Codex Manesse, Germany. AD 1305-1315.  Jousting Jousting was a combat between two knights on horseback, charging at each other with spears at full gallop. Initially, jousts were brutal and cruel duels between knights, often used to resolve conflicts. Over time, jousting evolved into a polite event and became an integral part of the chivalric programme of social gatherings. Although governed by strict regulations, Recreation of a medieval joust. jousts utilized real weapons (iron spears), which significantly increased the risk and danger compared to regular tournaments. 15  Jousting In the early days of jousting, knights would continue the fight on the ground after the initial attack, using their swordsor axes. In polite jousting, a competition format with sun-to-sun combat was introduced, accompanied by a specific scoring system. Each combat typically involved 3 or 5 spears (points), with scores added or deducted as follows:  Knock down opponent: +3 lances.  Hit him in the chest: +2 lances.  Hit him on the head: +1 lance.  Hitting the horse: -1 lance.  Touching the fence: -2 lances. As a festive event, additional rewards were given, such as prizes for the most spectacular strike, the knight who broke the largest number of spears, or the fighter who lasted the longest in full armor (weighing 20–30 kg, in addition to the 15 kg of the spear). Medieval Jousting. Codex Manesse, Germany. A.D. 1305-1315. Equestrian skill tests at tournaments Rings: A test where the rider, while galloping, attempts to pass their lance through a series of suspended rings, showcasing precision and speed. Bohordos: A simulated combat game in which riders use blunt lances to unseat their opponents or strike predetermined targets while on horseback. Quintena: A skill challenge where riders strike a spinning target or dummy with their lance, often requiring accuracy, timing, and control at high speed. 17  Passage of arms An individual and voluntary chivalric activity, the passage of arms involved a knight positioning himself at a bridgeor crossroads to challenge any passing knight. The passage of arms was often conducted for courtship purposes. A knight would swear an oath or vow to a lady, promising not to return to her until he had defeated a specified number of knights. In some cases, the number of opponents to be defeated was determined by the lady herself. Representation of the passage of arms This activity was governed by rules agreed upon among the knights, ensuring a degree of fairness and adherence to the chivalric code. 18  Trial by combat (duel) In some Central European kingdoms governed by Germanic law, disputes or accusations could be resolved through a duel between two knights, typically fought to the death. Duels were always required to take place in the presence of witnesses, often within a small arena designated for this purpose. This practice remained common until the 16th century, when it gradually fell Depiction of a trial by combat in Augsburg by Paulus Hector Mair, 1409 AD. into disuse with the advent of firearms. 19 Non-chivalric combat sports forms 20  Ringen Germany Form of German unarmed wrestling, originating in the Late Middle Ages and developed during the Renaissance, until it fell out of use in the 17th century due to being considered less noble. The catalog of movements includes: grapples, joint locks, knee strikes, strangulations, headbutts, and, in some cases, kicks. The ringen was practiced as part of the military training of some soldiers, as a public performance at fairs, and as a method of conflict resolution. Written manuals detailing the primary movements and techniques of ringen were common, with notable works by Hans Talhoffer, Ott Jud and Jörg Wilhalm (15th century). There was also a variant known as rossfechten or mounted ringen. Ringen technique described in Hans Talhoffer's handbook (1467) Example of rossfechten or ringen on horseback from Hans Talhoffer's handbook (1467)  Schwingen Switzerland Swiss wrestling whose first records date back to the 11th century. It has its roots in community gatherings of Alpine shepherds as a way to gain prestige and respect. It is practiced on a 12-meter diameter sawdust ring, supervised by three referees. Unlike other combat sports, in schwingen, leather shorts are used, which the fighters must grip to execute the techniques. In this sport, the goal is to knock down the opponent using holds, grips, and explosive throws. The combat is won when the opponent touches the ground with both shoulder blades or by accumulating 10 points, which the judges award based on the technique performed. Cumberland and Westmoland Wrestling England Traditional wrestling from the northeast of England whose origin is unknown. It is believed to come from the Viking tradition after the invasions of the 9th and 10th centuries. The matches took place during local fairs so that young men could showcase their strength in public. One of its characteristics is the initial position. The wrestlers begin the match standing, holding each other by the waist and resting their chin on the opponent’s shoulder, creating a fixed position from which the entire match unfolds. The main objective is to throw the opponent in a controlled manner, winning if any part of the body other than the feet touches the ground. Scottish Backhold Scotland Very similar to the previous one. Practiced in the Scottish Highlands during festivities and local fairs, its purpose was to demonstrate the physical superiority of some clans over others. Participants wear the traditional kilt, the Scottish skirt whose pattern of checks and colors is distinctive to each clan. The wrestlers begin the match standing, face to face, in what is called the “backhold position”. Each wrestler passes their right arm around the opponent’s waist and firmly grips the lower part of the opponent’s back near the hip. Both wrestlers must maintain their grip on the back throughout the match. The main objective is to throw the opponent to the ground without losing the grip, so that any part of the body, other than the feet, touches the ground. Non-chivalric sports in the Middle Ages 26 Game of " ferir la pelota ". This game is represented in the Cántigas de Santa María by Alfonso X ”the wise", published between 1270 and 1282 A.D. (left image). The image shows a young man holding a bat while another young man throws a small ball at him. In the background, a group of women (?) can be seen waiting to catch another ball in the air. The exact rules of this game, which is reminiscent of modern-day baseball, are not known. However, it can be deduced from this scene that ball games were still very much alive in the Middle Ages, and were probably played by people from all social conditions and by both sexes. 27 Jeu de Paume Of French origin, the game is etymologically known as the "palm game." Initially, it was played using the palm of the hand, later evolving to the use of gloves, then wooden paddles, and finally strung racquets. This game is considered the direct predecessor of modern racket sports such as tennis, squash, and padel. A distinctive feature of this sport was the court design, which was enclosed by four walls, three of which had a small roof where the ball could bounce. The net was not straight but featured a pronounced indentation in the center. The ball could bounce on the walls and roofs an unlimited number of times but was allowed to bounce only once on the ground. Two modalities: a) “Long” Paume: The original one. Played in outdoor spaces. b) “Short” Paume: played on indoor courts of approximately 30x12 metres. It was the most popular. The scoring system was in games and sets ("15-30-40"). 28  Jeu de Paume The jeu de paume was a true mass phenomenon and one of the few sports to achieve equal popularity across all social classes. The appearance of different regulations against the practice of this sport is evidence of the scope of this activity. Clerics: The Laws of the Siete Partidas of Alfonso X (1265 AD) prohibit ball games for ecclesiastics, indicating the popularity of the sport among members of the clergy. Peasants: the provost of Paris (head of government), forbade in 1397 AD peasants to leave work on labour days to play the jeu de paume. Nobility : The nobles quickly took to the sport. There were rules such as changing shirts in case of sweating or stopping the match if a player showed fatigue. In 1316, King Louis X of France died after a game of jeu de paume after drinking a large quantity of chilled wine, which gave him pneumonia. 29  Soule A ball game derived from the Roman haspartum played mainly in areas of Normandy and Britain. It was a peasant sport practised by the common people, in which men, women and children could participate. It usually took place once a year, between neighbouring towns and in open fields. The objective was to carry a ball to a previously marked goal in one of the two towns. There were hardly any rules, and so melees, tackles, races, tumults, etc. were common. The game could last several hours or even days, with the match stopping overnight and starting again the next day. Due to its harshness, different kings and bishops prohibited its practice.  Chess The game of chess was introduced to Europe from the Arab world in the Middle Ages. It was also introduced by the crusaders returning from fighting in the Holy Land. While in some European courts, such as the French court, chess was banned, in others, such as the Castilian court, it was promoted. The interest of Alfonso X "the Wise" in this activity is particularly well known. In 1283, he published the Book of Chess Games, Dice and Chessboards, in which he devoted 60 of its 97 pages to the history, rules and problems of chess. Such was the king's passion for the game that he forced the nobles in his service to practise the game in order to improve their strategy in battle. In the chess of Alfonso X's time, some innovations were introduced, such as the two-colour chessboard and the opening of two squares for the pawns. 31  Bullfighting Bullfighting arose in the Middle Ages in the Iberian Peninsula. They were very popular during the late Middle Ages in the territories under Christian influence. The origin of bullfighting seems to lie in a nuptial rite, according to which the groom and his gang would hunt and drive a wild bull to the bride's house where the groom would kill it using banderillas (harpoons) decorated with ribbons that the bride-to-be had previously given him. He would then stain the bride's dress with the blood as a sign of fertility. In the Siete Partidas of Alfonso X, this activity was regulated. In this way, a distinction was made between two figures who practised bullfighting: a) The knight who fought the bull on horseback to demonstrate his vigour and bravery. b) The "matatoros" (bullfighter) who dedicated himself professionally to this trade and who travelled from village to village earning his living. 32 Bullfighting represented in the Cantigas de Santa María (1270-1282 AD).  Didactic Unit IV. Sport in the Middle Ages Topic 7. Early and Late Middle Ages History of Sport Prof. Dr. Alejandro Leiva Arcas Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences