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Study Guide: Medieval Tournaments: History and Practice

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Medieval Tournaments: History and Practice Study Guide

Origins, Terminology, and Early Development

The term 'tournament' derives from the Latin word 'tornare', meaning 'to turn', and its Old French precursor, 'tornei', initially denoted the act of jousting.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'tournament' derives from the Latin word 'tornare', meaning 'to turn', and its Old French precursor, 'tornei', initially denoted the act of jousting.

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Roger of Hoveden defined 'torneamentum' as military exercises conducted not out of hostility, but for the purpose of practicing and displaying martial prowess.

Answer: True

Explanation: Roger of Hoveden defined 'torneamentum' as military exercises conducted not out of hostility, but for the purpose of practicing and displaying martial prowess.

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The earliest known use of the word 'tournament' dates back to legislation by Count Baldwin III of Hainaut in 1114.

Answer: True

Explanation: The earliest known use of the word 'tournament' comes from peace legislation by Count Baldwin III of Hainaut for the town of Valenciennes, dated to 1114.

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'Hastilude' is a term used to describe the elaborate costumes and pageantry seen in later medieval tournaments.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Hastilude' is a general term encompassing martial games and exercises of the Middle Ages, including tournaments, not specifically costumes or pageantry.

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What term broadly describes the martial games and exercises, including tournaments, prevalent in the Middle Ages?

Answer: Hastilude

Explanation: 'Hastilude' is a comprehensive term encompassing the diverse martial games and exercises of the Middle Ages, including tournaments. It fundamentally denotes mock combat or chivalrous competitions intended for training and the exhibition of martial skill.

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According to the source, which historical period saw the prevalence of medieval tournaments?

Answer: 12th to 16th centuries

Explanation: Medieval tournaments were prevalent during the period spanning the 12th to the 16th centuries.

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The word 'tournament' evolved from the Old French 'torneiement', which ultimately derives from which Latin word?

Answer: Tornare (to turn)

Explanation: The term 'tournament' derives from the Latin word 'tornare', meaning 'to turn'.

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Who is credited by a late 12th-century chronicler of Tours with the 'invention' of the knightly tournament?

Answer: Geoffroi de Preulli

Explanation: A late 12th-century chronicler of Tours attributes the 'invention' of the knightly tournament to the Angevin Baron Geoffroi de Preulli.

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Which historical figure is associated with the first tournament laws, according to 16th-century German historiography?

Answer: Henry the Fowler

Explanation: 16th-century German historiography attributes the establishment of the first tournament laws to Henry the Fowler.

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The term 'torneamentum' was defined by Roger of Hoveden as:

Answer: Mock fights conducted solely for practice and displaying prowess.

Explanation: Roger of Hoveden defined 'torneamentum' as military exercises conducted not out of hostility, but solely for practice and the display of prowess.

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What potential historical roots for medieval tournaments are mentioned?

Answer: They likely evolved from Roman equestrian practices and Carolingian training.

Explanation: Potential historical roots for medieval tournaments include Roman equestrian practices and Carolingian training exercises.

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What does the source suggest about the historical roots of medieval tournaments?

Answer: They likely evolved from Roman equestrian practices and Carolingian training.

Explanation: Potential historical roots for medieval tournaments include Roman equestrian practices and Carolingian training exercises.

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Tournament Structure and Combat Forms

Medieval tournaments, referred to as 'hastiludes', were predominantly characterized by mock combat rather than actual warfare.

Answer: False

Explanation: Medieval tournaments, referred to as 'hastiludes', were predominantly characterized by mock combat rather than actual warfare.

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During the High Middle Ages, the primary combat activity in tournaments was the joust, where two knights charged each other with lances.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the High Middle Ages, the primary combat activity in tournaments was the méléé, a large-scale mock battle, rather than the joust.

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The 'regards' in a medieval tournament involved knights formally parading and displaying their war cries before the main combat.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'regards' in a medieval tournament involved knights formally parading and displaying their war cries before the main combat.

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The main objective of the mêlée was solely to demonstrate individual fighting skill without any strategic goals.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary objective of the méléé was to break enemy ranks and capture knights for ransom, rather than solely demonstrating individual skill.

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The term 'melee' refers to a formal, one-on-one duel between two knights, distinct from group combat.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'melee' refers to a large-scale, confused fight or brawl involving teams of knights, distinct from formal one-on-one duels.

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The Middle High German term 'buhurt' specifically denotes the confused, chaotic brawl aspect of a mêlée.

Answer: False

Explanation: While 'buhurt' is a Middle High German term for a type of equestrian game, 'melee' specifically denotes the mass clash or confused fight.

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Evidence for specialized jousting lances, like those with 'sokets', appears around the 13th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: Evidence for specialized jousting lances, like those with 'sokets', appears around the 13th century.

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The 'vespers' or 'premières commençalles' were the final, decisive battles of a tournament.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'vespers' or 'premières commençalles' were preliminary jousts held before the main combat events of a tournament.

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'Round Table' events, beginning in the 1220s, were early examples of tournaments focused exclusively on mêlée combat.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Round Table' events, beginning in the 1220s, were early examples of gatherings focused primarily on jousting, distinct from the traditional méléé-centric tournament.

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Which of the following was NOT typically included as an activity in medieval tournaments?

Answer: Naval warfare simulations

Explanation: Medieval tournaments typically included activities such as méléé, jousts, and archery challenges. Naval warfare simulations were not a characteristic component.

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What was the primary form of combat in tournaments during the High Middle Ages?

Answer: Mêlée, a large-scale mock battle

Explanation: During the High Middle Ages, tournaments were predominantly centered on the 'méléé,' a large-scale mock battle.

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What was the main goal of the 'mêlée' in a medieval tournament?

Answer: To break enemy ranks, drive them back, and capture knights for ransom.

Explanation: The principal objective of the 'méléé' was to engage the opposing force in mass formation, aiming to disrupt their ranks and compel a retreat, including the capture of knights for ransom.

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The term 'melee' originates from Old French and means:

Answer: Brawl or confused fight

Explanation: The term 'melee,' derived from the Old French 'mêlée,' denotes a 'brawl' or 'confused fight'.

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Which of the following best describes the 'Pas d'Armes'?

Answer: A specific challenge where a knight defended a passage against all comers.

Explanation: 'Pas d'Armes' constituted a form of chivalric challenge, typically involving a knight defending a designated passage against all challengers.

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The 'regards' at the start of a tournament served primarily to:

Answer: Formally commence the proceedings with a parade and war cries.

Explanation: The 'regards,' or review, constituted a formal parade at the commencement of a tournament, wherein opposing sides would present themselves and issue their war cries.

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The Prose Lancelot, written around 1220, provides evidence for the development of what specialized equipment?

Answer: Special spears specifically for jousting.

Explanation: The Prose Lancelot, written around 1220, provides evidence for the development of specialized equipment, such as special spears for jousting.

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Social, Cultural, and Economic Aspects

The role of women in tournaments diminished significantly with the rise of courtly love ideals.

Answer: False

Explanation: With the rise of courtly love ideals, the role of women in tournaments became more prominent, involving symbolism and drama.

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Participants in late medieval tournaments sometimes dressed as legendary figures, such as knights from the Arthurian legends.

Answer: True

Explanation: Participants in late medieval tournaments sometimes dressed as legendary figures, such as knights from the Arthurian legends.

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Florentine tournaments, unlike those in Northern Europe, prioritized military training and skill over the display of wealth.

Answer: False

Explanation: Florentine tournaments, exemplified by Lorenzo de'Medici's participation, often emphasized the display of wealth over martial prowess, contrasting with some Northern European traditions.

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King Henry II of France died peacefully in his bed, unrelated to any tournament activities.

Answer: False

Explanation: King Henry II of France died in 1559 as a direct result of injuries sustained during a tournament joust.

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The Spanish 'cane game' involved knights using sharp, unblunted lances in a chaotic free-for-all.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Spanish 'cane game' (and its Italian variant, 'gioco de canne') involved mounted combat using blunted spears and shields, not sharp lances in a free-for-all.

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The '1511 Westminster Tournament Roll' primarily documents the rules and regulations governing jousting matches.

Answer: False

Explanation: The '1511 Westminster Tournament Roll' is significant for depicting pageantry and royal involvement, such as King Henry VIII's participation, rather than primarily documenting rules.

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The cost of the 1350 Norwich tournament, equivalent to five years' wages for a skilled craftsman, suggests these events were financially burdensome for communities.

Answer: True

Explanation: The cost of the 1350 Norwich tournament, equivalent to five years' wages for a skilled craftsman, suggests these events were financially burdensome for communities.

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The great tournaments in northern France, like the one at Lagny-sur-Marne in 1179, typically attracted only a few dozen knights.

Answer: False

Explanation: The major tournaments held in northern France, such as the one at Lagny-sur-Marne in 1179, were known for their considerable scale, attracting substantial numbers of knights, reportedly around 3,000.

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The image from the 'Turnierbuch des René von Anjou' shows a disorganized crowd watching knights fight randomly.

Answer: False

Explanation: The illustration from the 'Turnierbuch des René von Anjou' depicts the structured organization of tournaments, including spectator areas and banner-bearers, rather than a disorganized crowd.

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The 'gioco de canne' practiced in Spanish Italy involved participants using sharp swords in close-quarters combat.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'gioco de canne' practiced in Spanish Italy involved mounted combat with blunted spears and shields, not sharp swords in close-quarters combat.

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The motto 'plus est en vous' associated with the Gruuthuse family relates to the idea that participants possessed hidden potential, often displayed during tournaments.

Answer: True

Explanation: The motto 'plus est en vous' (meaning 'there is more in you') is associated with the Gruuthuse family of Bruges and dates back to a tournament in 1393. It reflects a sentiment of hidden potential or greater capability, often displayed or invoked during chivalric events.

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The primary function of tournaments was solely entertainment, with no significant martial or social roles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary function of tournaments extended beyond mere entertainment, encompassing martial practice, social display, political signaling, and cultural embodiment of chivalric ideals.

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Why were medieval tournaments often held, according to the provided text?

Answer: To celebrate significant events, welcome guests, and for entertainment.

Explanation: Tournaments were often held to celebrate significant events, welcome distinguished guests, and serve as a form of entertainment and pursuit of knightly renown.

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How did the role of women evolve in tournaments, particularly influenced by courtly love?

Answer: Tournaments were held in their honor, and they participated in symbolism and drama.

Explanation: The increasing influence of courtly love ideals elevated the role of women in tournaments. Events were frequently organized in their honor, and ladies participated actively in the symbolic and dramatic elements.

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What does the example of Lorenzo de'Medici suggest about tournaments in Florence?

Answer: They emphasized the display of wealth over martial prowess.

Explanation: In Florentine tournaments, the ostentatious display of wealth frequently superseded martial considerations, as exemplified by Lorenzo de' Medici's participation.

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The death of which monarch in 1559 was a direct result of injuries sustained during a tournament joust?

Answer: Henry II of France

Explanation: King Henry II of France died in 1559 from injuries sustained during a tournament joust.

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What was the 'cane game' practiced by Spanish knights?

Answer: A team fight using blunted spears and shields.

Explanation: The 'cane game' was a team combat event practiced by Spanish knights, involving mounted participants using blunted spears and shields.

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The '1511 Westminster Tournament Roll' is significant because it:

Answer: Depicts King Henry VIII participating in a tournament, showing pageantry and royal involvement.

Explanation: The '1511 Westminster Tournament Roll' is significant for depicting pageantry and royal involvement, such as King Henry VIII's participation.

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The Codex Manesse is notable for providing:

Answer: Visual depictions of mounted combat during tournaments.

Explanation: The Codex Manesse, an early 14th-century German manuscript, features depictions of mounted combat within tournaments, serving as a significant visual record.

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What was the approximate cost of the tournament held in Norwich in 1350?

Answer: £37.4s.6d.

Explanation: The tournament convened in Norwich in 1350 incurred a cost of £37.4s.6d. for the citizenry.

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The motto 'plus est en vous' is associated with a tournament in which year?

Answer: 1393

Explanation: The motto 'plus est en vous' is associated with a tournament in 1393.

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The 'gioco de canne' practiced in Spanish Italy is described as similar to the Spanish 'cane game' and involved:

Answer: Mounted combat using blunted spears and shields.

Explanation: The 'gioco de canne,' practiced in Spanish Italy, involved mounted combat using blunted spears and shields.

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Regulation, Opposition, and Evolution

Tournaments were typically held during the penitential season of Lent to encourage reflection and piety.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tournaments were typically held outside of penitential seasons, such as Lent, and were customary on Mondays and Tuesdays.

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Jousting became the dominant aristocratic amusement by the 14th century, largely replacing the mêlée.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jousting became the dominant aristocratic amusement by the 14th century, largely replacing the méléé.

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Pope Innocent II banned tournaments because he believed they were essential for training knights to defend Christendom.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pope Innocent II banned tournaments, viewing them as a distraction from the duty of defending Christendom.

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After initial bans, Richard I of England permitted tournaments but required participants to pay significant fees for royal approval.

Answer: True

Explanation: After initial bans, Richard I of England permitted tournaments but required participants to pay significant fees for royal approval.

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Pope Innocent II's decree in 1130 led to increased Church support for tournaments as a form of martial exercise.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pope Innocent II's decree in 1130 denounced tournaments and forbade Christian burial for those killed in them, reflecting Church disapproval.

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By the mid-13th century, Edward I's Statute of Arms mandated the use of sharp, pointed weapons in all tournament combats to increase realism.

Answer: False

Explanation: By the mid-13th century, blunted weapons became more common, and Edward I's Statute of Arms in 1292 mandated the use of blunted knives and swords in tournaments.

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In the Late Middle Ages, tournaments increasingly focused on pageantry and jousting, often overshadowing the mêlée.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the Late Middle Ages, tournaments increasingly focused on pageantry and jousting, often overshadowing the méléé.

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The decline of the true tournament meant that jousting completely disappeared as a form of entertainment by the 16th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the large-scale méléé declined, jousting persisted and evolved, remaining a form of entertainment into the 16th century and beyond.

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The Church's stance on tournaments was generally supportive, viewing them as vital for knightly training.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Church's stance on tournaments was generally disapproving, viewing them as distractions from religious duties, leading to decrees like the denial of Christian burial for those killed.

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Criticisms of tournaments included concerns about public order and participants engaging in theft and violence against civilians.

Answer: True

Explanation: Criticisms of tournaments included concerns about public order and participants engaging in theft and violence against civilians.

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Tournaments were customarily held on which days of the week, avoiding specific religious periods?

Answer: Mondays and Tuesdays, avoiding Lent.

Explanation: Tournaments were generally scheduled outside of penitential periods, notably Lent, and were customarily held on Mondays and Tuesdays.

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How did jousting evolve within the tournament structure?

Answer: It started as a prelude but gained its own following, leading to exclusive events by the 13th century.

Explanation: Jousting started as a prelude but gained its own following, leading to exclusive events by the 13th century, eventually becoming the dominant aristocratic amusement.

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Which Pope denounced tournaments and decreed that those killed in them should be denied Christian burial?

Answer: Pope Innocent II

Explanation: Pope Innocent II denounced tournaments and decreed that those killed in them should be denied Christian burial.

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Under which English king were tournaments initially permitted again after bans, requiring license fees?

Answer: Richard I

Explanation: Following initial prohibitions, tournaments were re-authorized in England by Richard I after 1192, contingent upon royal licensing and fees.

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What did Edward I's 'Statute of Arms' of 1292 mandate regarding tournament weapons?

Answer: The exclusive use of blunted knives and swords.

Explanation: Edward I's 'Statute of Arms,' enacted in 1292, mandated the use of blunted knives and swords in tournaments.

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In the Late Middle and Early Modern Ages, tournaments saw a significant shift towards:

Answer: Pageantry and the predominance of jousting.

Explanation: In the Late Middle and Early Modern Ages, tournaments increasingly emphasized pageantry and jousting, particularly under monarchs like Edward III.

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What was a significant criticism leveled against knights participating in tournaments?

Answer: They were sometimes accused of theft and violence against unarmed civilians.

Explanation: Contemporary criticisms included concerns over public order, with participants occasionally accused of theft and violence against unarmed civilians.

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Why did Pope Innocent II forbid Christian burial for those killed in tournaments?

Answer: He saw them as a distraction from the duty of defending Christianity.

Explanation: Pope Innocent II forbade Christian burial for those killed in tournaments, viewing them as a distraction from the duty of defending Christianity.

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Which of the following best describes the evolution of tournaments in the Late Middle Ages?

Answer: Jousting and pageantry gained prominence, overshadowing the mêlée.

Explanation: In the Late Middle Ages, tournaments increasingly emphasized pageantry and jousting, overshadowing the méléé.

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