Fencing During the Renaissance

Fencing during the Renaissance

During the beginning of the Renaissance the sword was an offensive weapon used for cracking armor, and the shield was used as a defense. Soon gunpowder came into general use, and the sword became a defensive as well as an offensive weapon. In the 16th century the rapier was introduced in Italy and the art of fencing was organized in fencing schools. A dagger in the other hand, and later a folded cloak, replaced the shield. Eventually the non sword arm was left free and held away from the sword are to minimize the target area.

The Italian fencing technique and the use of the rapier spread throughout Europe. The size and shape of the rapier were constantly changed because its length and weight made it clumsy to carry. During the 18th century the small sword or epee, was invented