Medieval Tournament Poster

A tournament, or tourney was a chivalrous competition or mock fight in the Middle Ages and Renaissance and is one type of hastilude. The events included mêlée and hand-to-hand combat (weapons were often blunted to prevent serious injury), contests of strength or skill. Some thought that the tournaments were a threat to public order. The shows were often held to celebrate coronations, marriages of notable figures, births, recent conquests, peace treatises, etc. They were held to welcome worthies, such as ambassadors and lords. Finally some tournaments were held simply for pure entertainment. Certain tournaments are depicted throughout the Codex Manesse.