5 Cool Facts About Jousting

Have you ever had the pleasure of witnessing a medieval joust on TV or in person? Few things can capture the glory and the romance of the knights in their shiny armor, their steed draped in their kingdom’s colors, and the thundering of hooves and explosions of lance on shield. Today, you can find many places to witness real live jousting before your very eyes, and in fact the sport remains popular (though in an altered form) today. Here are a few facts you may not have known about this combative act.

 

1. The Sport Mimics Actual Medieval Battles

 

In medieval combat between two kingdoms, armies were divided into foot soldiers or infantry, and horse-mounted cavalry. The warriors in the cavalry carried lances that they would use to pierce their enemies as they rode into battle on their horses. The joust became a way for these soldiers to hone their skills outside of the battlefield.

 

2. Tournaments were Regulated

 

Historically, every tournament was overseen by a Constable and Marshall, although perhaps this is because both of these people profited handsomely from the event. The constable received all of the losing knight's armor, weapons, and jewels. While the Marshall received as payment the knights’ horses and all of the wood used to construct the arena.

 

3. The Scots were Revered Champions

 

According to the historical records that exist regarding medieval jousts, the Scottish knights were revered for their prowess in the arena. In fact, the epic climax of one French romantic tale that has survived the ages, involves a romance between a young princess and a Scottish champion.

 

4. The Sport was Banned in France

 

Even though medieval armies eventually stopped using lances in battle, it continued as a combative sport in England and Germany. In France however, a tragedy ended the sport in that country. In 1559, King Henry II died from an injury sustained while practicing in the sport.

 

5. The Sport is Still Practiced Today

 

Believe it or not, people all over the western world continue their participation in jousts. Often, this is just for exhibition, but the sport has been modified to be safer for participants. In fact, a form of jousting known as tent-pegging is the state sport of Maine. Participants are required to carefully place their lances through a small ring hung from a post.

 

If you would like to see a historically accurate exhibition of a medieval joust, or just want to find out more about knights and the medieval period, go to www.MedievalTimes.com now!