Date of Award
6-1996
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Medieval Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Otto Gründler
Second Advisor
Dr. Thomas Seiler
Third Advisor
Dr. Larry Syndergaard
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
An introductory exploration of the evolution of the medieval tournament up to the reign of Emperor Maximilian I (1459-1519) is the subject of this study. This exploration begins with the eleventh-century origins of the tournament in northern France as a military training exercise and continues with a discussion of the evolution of the tournament, by the sixteenth century, into a sporting event and public spectacle with a number of variations including the melee, behourd, round table, and passage of arms.
Some of the influences of the Church and of chivalric literature upon the tournament and upon the knightly class are explored as part of this discussion, together with information on outstanding medieval tourneyers, including Emperor Maximilian I, and on prominent armorers employed by the Emperor. Also included is a brief discussion of the evolution of armor and weaponry specifically for the tournament and the differences between these and their battlefield counterparts.
Recommended Citation
Woodruff, Kathryn L., "Some Aspects of the Evolution of the Medieval Tournament Up to the Reign of Maximilian I: An Introduction" (1996). Masters Theses. 3829.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3829