History of Fencing Early History      The earliest depiction of swordplay is a relief in the Temple of Medinat Habu, near Luxor in Egypt, built by Ramses III in about 1190BC. This relief must depict a practice bout or match, as the sword points are covered and the swordsmen are parrying with shields strapped to their left arms and are wearing masks (tied to their wigs), large bibs, and padding over the ears. Swordsmanship, as a pastime and in single combat and war, was also practiced widely by the ancient Persians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans, as well as by the Germanic tribes.      The Romans brought sword combat to a highly systematic art that was taught to both their legions and gladiators.  Gladiators were trained in schools (ludi) by professional instructors (doctores). Beginners practiced with a wooden sword called a rudis. More advanced training took place with weapons that were somewhat heavier than those used in actual combat.      From the time of the fall of Rome through the Middle Ages, the practice of sword fighting continued unabated, although sword training became less uniform and began instead to reflect the ideas of the individual masters-at-arms. At this time, schools of sword fighting also developed a somewhat unsavory quality, attracting members from the criminal element of society who wanted to learn the skilled use of weapons. Many communities found that the only way to deal with this problem was to outlaw fencing schools within their boundaries. For example, in London in 1286 King Edward I passed an edict that decried "the most unheard of villainies" perpetrated by swordsmen and threatened swift justice for teaching sword related skills. Despite such laws, fencing schools flourished. Emergence of Swordsmanship and Weapons       Among the nobility of Europe during the Middle Ages, the adept handling of a sword was hindered by the use of armour, which was virtually the only means of protection. Swords were heavy and used primarily to broach the protective armour. With the introduction of gunpowder in the 14th century, however, armour fell into disuse (musket balls easily pierced the armour, rendering it ineffective in battle). The sword was still the only weapon that could be worn on the body for self-defense, but the demise of armour required that the wearer learn to manipulate a sword skillfully - a matter that grew to be of paramount importance both in times of war and in a gentleman’s daily life.      By the 15th century, guilds of fencing masters were formed throughout Europe, the most notable of which was the Marxruder (the Association of St. Marcus of Lowenburg), which was granted letters patent by the Emperor Frederick III in 1480. Early fencing methods as taught by the guilds were somewhat rough and tumble and included wrestling moves. The guilds jealously guarded their secret moves so that they could make use of the unexpected to defeat an enemy. Fencing was first supported in England by Henry VIII, who, sometime before 1540, granted letters patent to several fencing masters that allowed them to teach there. The early English style of fighting with a cutting sword and a buckler (small shield worn on the free arm) ultimately gave way to the continental European rapier combat.      The Italian’s discovered the effectiveness of the dexterous use of the point rather than the edge of the sword. By the end of the 16th century, their lighter weapon, the rapier, and a simple, nimble and controlled fencing style, emphasizing skill and speed rather then force, spread through Europe. Most of the wrestling tricks were abandoned, the lunge was developed and adopted, and fencing became established as an art.      The long rapier was beautifully balanced, excellent in attack, and superb for keeping an opponent at a distance, but it was too heavy for all the movements of combat. Defense when fighting with a rapier was effected by parrying with the left hand, which was protected by a gauntlet or cloak or equipped with a dagger. Opponent’s thrusts were often avoided by ducking or sidestepping.      In the latter half of the 17th century, the sword and swordsmanship changed dramatically with a change in gentleman’s dress. In France the court of Louis XIV set the fashion of silk stockings, breeches, and brocaded coats, which replaced that of the doublet and hose, top boots and cloaks. As the long, trailing rapier was unsuited to the new form of dress, fashion decreed the wearing of a light, short court sword. The French style set in throughout Europe just as the Italian style had done earlier. For more information online go to; http://search.eb.com?eb/article?eu=34567 or go to the Links page in this website to visit the Nick Evangelista website