Fencing stance 46839199

The History of Fencing

By ItsMeEmily
  • 1200 BCE

    Egyptian Carvings Appear

    Egyptian Carvings Appear
    Egyptian carving appear depicting two competitors wearing masks and using weapons with a protective covering.These carvings also show judges watching the match. The carvings help show the origins of fencing and established a starting point from which fencing could evolve.
  • Period: 1200 BCE to 476

    Fencing Grows in Popularity

    Over the following centuries, fencing would continue to grow in popularity, especially in Greece and Rome. This initial popularity would eventually lead to fencing being spread across the globe.
  • 476

    The Fall of Rome

    The Fall of Rome
    The fall of Rome would severely decrease the popularity of fencing.
  • Period: 1400 to 1500

    The Fifteenth Century

    Prior to this century, fencing was used as preparation for war. Due to the fall of Rome severely decreasing the popularity of fencing, during the 15th century fencing was able to be revived as a hobby for the wealthy. Fencing guilds began to form.
  • 1470

    First Fencing Guides Published

    First Fencing Guides Published
    The publication of fencing guides made it much easier for the sport to spread and gain popularity. Modern fencing originated in Spain, but the existence of publishing guides caused it to spread rapidly all across Europe.
  • 1550

    The Founding of the Marxburder Guild

    The Marxbuder Guild (founded in Germany) was the most well known and noble guild in Europe. The founding of this guild prompted several other guilds to form throughout Europe. Several types of fencing began to devolve because of the multiple guilds.
  • 1570

    First Fencing Academy Founded in France

    First Fencing Academy Founded in France
    This academy spread the use of fencing throughout France. The master who ran the academy encouraged the use of the Epee rather than the rapier.

  • The Invention of the Court Sword

    The Invention of the Court Sword
    The court sword was invented due to demands for shorter and safer swords. This sword was easier to use than a rapier and contributed to the modern day technique, in which fencers hold their weapon with one hand.

  • The Invention of the Saber

    The Invention of the Saber
    The saber was the first fencing sword to feature a curved blade. This impacted the shape of of fencing swords forever.

  • First Fencing School Founded in America

    First Fencing School Founded in America
    The first fencing school opening in America was one of the first symbols the fencing had gone international and helped to spread the popularity of fencing across the globe.