Post by Article Cryer on Apr 26, 2016 1:50:59 GMT -5
What kind of sports were practised by the people of the Middle Ages? The people of the Middle Ages enjoyed many holidays; it has been estimated that, besides Sundays, about eight weeks in every year were free from work. There was time for sports. But most of the sports played during the Middle Ages were targeted towards increasing the fighting skills of men. Middle Ages Feudalism was based on the exchange of land for military service. Lords were expected to provide trained soldiers to fight for the King. It was imperative for Knights to acquire excellent fighting skills. The Medieval Sports in the Middle Ages were therefore designed to provide weapon practice and to increase a man's fitness.
Medieval Sports in the Middle Ages - Sporting Contests
Feudalism can be well described as a Pyramid of Power. It was possible for everyone to move higher up the ranks of the pyramid and this is what everyone aspired to do. A Knight who proved valiant in battle or was successful at jousting in tournaments would become wealthy. His wealth could pay for a castle. His importance in the land would increase and he would join the nobility. A peasant who excelled in Medieval sports of the Middle Ages could win a purse at a Sporting contest, gain an important reputation and increased value by his lord and his position in life would improve.
Medieval Sports in the Middle Ages - The Tournaments and Jousting
The really big sporting events were the Tournaments and the Jousts. These sports were dangerous, men were killed at tournaments. Quintain and Pell Training were essential for the Knights who participated in these sports. Feudal Lords and Knights used such weapons as swords, lances, daggers and battle axes and many Medieval sports were designed to provide practise of such skills.
