Sports in the Middle Ages

636 Words2 Pages

Although the Middle Ages were a time of sadness and war, sports was a way to bring happiness among the people. Sports in the Middle Ages were also dangerous because some of their games were deadly. Knights would prepare for war by having mock battles. By the 11th century, there were different types of Sports in the Middle Ages like Soccer, Archery, Sword Play, Chess, Tennis, Wrestling, Animal Games and Board Games. Tournaments in the Middle Ages were like the Olympics, but you wouldn’t win any medals. Above all, knights would win pigs, money, land, and good reputations. Overall, sports and tournaments were important in the Middle Ages because it show their inner strengths and abilities and prepared knights for battle.
Jousting was the main reason why people would go to tournaments. People were attracted to Jousting because they would love to see how strong they were, how mentally and physically they were and how they would knock the other person down. Jousting was expensive and dangerous because you would get knocked down hard and get seriously injured. Jousting was played by 2 people riding on a horse. You would get judged by the following: 1 point for a touch, 5 points for a shot at the lance, and 10 points for knocking down your opponent. In Jousting, there is no defense. It is violence and injuries can occur at any times (Full Medal Jousting). Realgestech is a German form of Jousting. Jousting requires mental strength because you have to be strong and have to be fit. The Peasants were the ones would pick up the swords when they would break. The first tournament was held in the 11th Century (Educational).
Knights trained hard for Tournaments. Knights would have a hard training for them to be ready for Jousting. They would use M...

... middle of paper ...

...ll, Sports and Tournaments were important in the Middle Ages because it showed their inner strength and abilities and prepared for battle. This proved how Knights would do anything to gain the kings trust and represent the city.

Works Cited
Educational, Grolier. "Tournaments and Jousts." Medieval World. 0-7172-5530-1. Connecticut: 2001.
Educational, Grolier. "Sports and Games." Medieval World. 0-7172-5529-8. Connecticut: 2001.
"Tournaments."www.Medivallife.net.MiddleLife.Web.27Mar2014. .
"Jousts and Tournaments." www.MiddleAgesforkids.com. Middle Ages for kids. Web. 27 Mar 2014. .
"Knights and tournaments." www.educationscotland.com. Education Scotland Foghlam Alba. Web. 27Mar2014. .

Open Document