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Astronomical Knowledge of the Mayans: Predictions, Calculations, and Meanings
Systematic Sky ObservationThe Mayan civilization, which flourished from approximately 2000 BCE to the 16th century, d...
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18 Oct 2024
5 min
Bohurt: The Art of Medieval Sports Combat
The fascinating world of medieval combat is experiencing an unexpected revival, both in popular culture and in contact sports. The growing popularity of disciplines such as buhurt, a modern version of ancient knightly battles, has taken this sport to a new level. Like MMA, buhurt fuses the adrenaline of hand-to-hand combat with medieval tradition, offering a unique spectacle. This October 19th, in the bullring of Moralzarzal , Madrid, the Koliseum event promises to take the medieval experience to another level. With real buhurt fights, a 100-piece symphony orchestra, light shows, fire and a live concert, the show guarantees total immersion in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Álvaro Fernández, the creator of the event, describes it as “a unique madness”, with fighters wearing armor weighing more than 35 kilos in completely real battles. Although the buhurt arrived in Spain in 2014, this type of event is just beginning to gain notoriety, and the Madrid event is seeking to establish itself as a reference in the world of medieval combat. With the perfect mix of history, spectacle and the passion of modern warriors, medieval culture is once again alive in the arena. But what is bohurt , also known as buhurt? How is it played? What combat modes are there and where can it be practiced? Here we tell you everything. (Visit our medieval shop and immerse yourself in an incredible historical world) David and Guillo show off in the MARCA editorial office. Credits to the author What is bohurt (Buhurt)? Bohurt , also known as medieval combat , is a sporting discipline that faithfully recreates the knightly tournaments of the 14th and 15th centuries. Essentially, these fights recall the competitions that took place during times of peace, where the bravest nobles measured their skills with blunt weapons, seeking glory in prestigious jousts. Origins of Bohurt: From the Middle Ages to the Present Modern medieval combat bears many similarities to the historical tournaments of the late Middle Ages, but with some crucial differences to ensure the safety of the participants. Whereas in the past only nobles and men could compete, today, Bohurt is open to anyone, regardless of gender or social status. In addition, there is a historicity committee that ensures that the equipment used is historically correct, respecting the era and region represented. Bohurt Modalities: A Sport with Several Categories Within medieval sports combat , there are various categories that allow competitors to compete in different formats, whether in individual or team combat. 1. Individual Duels In medieval duels , two participants face each other in one-on-one combat. The winner is determined after three rounds of one minute each, where only clear blows with the edge of the weapon are valid for scoring points. The most common subcategories include: One and a half hand sword Sword and shield Sword and buckler Halberd Category of duels: individual fights 2. ProFight: The Most Intense Modality ProFight is the most demanding category of Bohurt, both physically and technically. Unlike traditional duels, the use of more aggressive combat techniques is permitted here, such as kicks, punches, locks and takedowns, as well as strikes with weapons and shields. Each fight consists of three three-minute rounds, making ProFight an experience similar to mixed martial arts (MMA), but with the difference that participants wear medieval armour. Profigth: the most physically demanding modality 3. Soft Training (HMB Soft) For those who want to get started in Bohurt but do not have steel armour, there is HMB Soft , an ideal modality for beginners and minors. In this format, padded protections are used, such as boxing helmets and swords made of foam rubber or tatami, which allows you to practice all the techniques of medieval combat safely. Soft training (HMB soft) Do you want to see all the collections from the most incredible era in history? Visit our collection: Medieval Store. Melees: The Epic of Team Combat One of the most spectacular and challenging categories of medieval combat is melee , where entire teams face off with the goal of taking down every member of the opposing team. Melee can range in size from 3v3 to massive 16v16 clashes. Takedowns can be accomplished with weapons, through charges, or using martial arts techniques, adding a level of brutality and strategy to each encounter. The main categories of scrum are: 3vs3 5vs5 10vs10 16vs16 The Importance of Equipment in Bohurt In order to participate in bohurt safely, it is essential to have adequate equipment, including historical armour and weapons designed specifically for such combats. Each piece of equipment is thoroughly checked before each tournament to ensure the safety of the participants. In addition, the correct choice of armour is not only crucial for protection, but also for combat performance. Live the Passion of Medieval Combat Bohurt is much more than just a sport; it is an immersive experience that transports participants and spectators to a time of honour, valor and skill. With modalities for all levels, from individual duels to epic team melees, medieval combat continues to gain fans around the world. If you are passionate about history and adrenaline, bohurt is definitely a discipline you must learn and experience. At EspadasyMás we have the bestmedieval swords , historical swords of all kinds, from famous historical swords such as Tizona , different Spanish swords, famous swords, swords of the Cid , Roman swords such as the Gladius, fencing swords, bastard swords, anime swords such as One Piece or fantasy swords from sagas such as Game of Thrones or The Lord of the Rings. We also have historical swords with stands. Don't hesitate and buy your historical sword in our store.
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27 May 2024
4 min
Excalibur. The legend behind the sword
Welcome to a new article from Swords and More. Today we will talk about Excalibur, the legendary sword of King Arthur, and the legend that accompanies this story. Excalibur. The legend behind the sword Excalibur, the sword that made Arthur Pendragon King of England when it was dug out from the rock in which it was embedded. As in many other legends, Excalibur is said to be wielded only by its true owner. Thus, when Arthur is dying due to wounds inflicted by his son Mordred at the Battle of Camlann, Excalibur must be returned to the Lady of the Lake, its original owner, as no one else can use it. Check out this version of the Excalibur Sword! In the 13th century, monks at the French abbey of Cluny spread a legend about a knight named Galgano, who was later canonized by Pope Urban III. This knight may be related to Sir Gawain or Galvan. The story includes iconic elements of the Arthurian cycle, such as the sword stuck in the stone, which first appeared in the 12th-13th century French poet Robert de Boron's play "Merlin." In the Italian region of Tuscany, there is the Rotonda di Montesiepi, where tradition holds that the sword stuck in a stone there is that of Saint Galgano. Check out this version of the Excalibur Sword In the famous work Le Morte d'Arthur by the 15th century English writer Thomas Malory, it is mentioned that the sword may have been pulled from a rock or an anvil. Malory also presents another version, recorded in the Post-Vulgate Cycle or Roman du Graal of the 13th century, in which Excalibur comes into Arthur's hands thanks to Nimue, the Lady of the Lake. The origin of the name Excalibur has several theories. One of the most accepted is that it comes from the Latin "Ex Calce Liberatus", which would translate as "Freed from the stone". However, some believe that the name could derive from the Welsh tale "Culhwch and Olwen", part of the "Mabinogion", a collection of prose stories from medieval Welsh manuscripts. In that tale, Arthur's sword is called Caledvwich, derived from the Latin "chalybs" (steel or iron) and meaning "strong cleavage". Some scholars suggest that Caledvwich could have its origin in the Irish mythological sword Caladbolg, meaning "ravenous" and which was wielded by King Fergus mac Roich in the Ulster Cycle , a collection of prose and verse writings of Irish mythology. This King Arthur's Dagger is incredible Another story from the Arthurian cycle mentions a sword embedded in a stone or a tree trunk, depending on the version. This story features Galahad, the bastard son of Lancelot and Elaine de Corbenic, conceived under a spell that made Lancelot believe he was Queen Guinevere, Arthur's wife. Galahad is brought to court and, unwittingly, sits at the Round Table in the place reserved for the knight who must find the Holy Grail, a dangerous mission that has cost many lives. It was the 13th-century French poet Robert de Boron who related the myth of Arthur to the search for the Holy Grail, the chalice from which Christ drank at the Last Supper, giving it a more Christian dimension. Excalibur was also noted for its magical powers. This tradition of magical weapons comes from the early Middle Ages, where there is mention of Dyrnwyn, the sword of Rhydderch Hael, a ruler of the British kingdom of Alt Clut, which burned if wielded by someone unworthy. Arthur possessed several weapons with special names and powers, such as the spear Rhongomyniad, which glowed until the end of the world; the dagger Carnwennan, which rendered its wielder invisible; and two swords: Clarent, mentioned in the English poem "The Death of Arthur," and Seure, which Arthur gave to Lancelot. Check out this King Arthur Helmet Excalibur's magical powers were manifested in Arthur's first battle, blinding his enemies with a glow like that of "thirty torches," as Malory describes in her work. Excalibur's scabbard also had magical properties, as it could heal. In Malory's account, the scabbard is stolen by Arthur's half-sister Morgana and thrown into a lake to avenge the death of her beloved Accolon of Gaul. This act was crucial, as without the healing scabbard, Arthur died at the Battle of Camlann. His body was taken to the island of Avalon, where Excalibur had been forged, and then returned to its original owner, the Lady of the Lake. And you, what do you think of King Arthur and his legendary sword Excalibur?
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19 Mar 2024
3 min
PARTS OF A SWORD. MEDIEVAL SWORD.
Welcome to a new article from Espadas Y Más. Today, we will tell you about the parts of a sword. As you already know, weapons have varied greatly in potential and details throughout history, and the case of swords was not going to be any different, so in this article, we will talk specifically about the parts of a medieval sword, in general. We can't stop recommending our collection of Medieval Swords, we're sure you or your father will love them ;) PARTS OF A MEDIEVAL SWORD Pommel : The pommel is the part of the sword that is furthest from the tip. Its main function is to balance the sword, providing a counterweight to the blade. This allows for easier and more controlled handling of the sword. Additionally, in close combat situations, the pommel can be used as a blunt weapon to strike the opponent. Check out this medieval carbon steel sword Hilt : The hilt is the part of the sword that is held in the hand. It is designed to be comfortable and provide a good grip, allowing the user to handle the sword with precision and control. Often, the hilt is wrapped in leather or some other soft material to provide extra comfort and a better grip. Check out this one-handed medieval sword Guard or Crossguard : The guard, also known as the crossguard, is the part of the sword that is located between the hilt and the blade. Its main function is to protect the hand holding the sword from blows from the opponent. The guard can take many forms, from a simple crossbar to more complex and ornate designs. Check out this medieval German sword Blade : The blade is the long, straight part of the sword. It can be double-edged (sharpened on both sides) or single-edged. The blade ends in a point, which is used for stabbing. The length, width, and curvature of the blade can vary considerably depending on the type of sword and its purpose. Classic Medieval Sword Edge : The edge is the sharp edge of the blade. In a double-edged sword, both sides of the blade are sharpened. The cutting edge is the part of the sword that is used for cutting and slashing. Fluting : Fluting is a groove that runs the length of the blade. Its purpose is to reduce the weight of the sword without compromising its strength. This allows for easier and faster handling of the sword. Tip : The tip is the end of the blade, designed for stabbing or piercing. The shape of the tip can vary depending on the type of sword and its purpose. Check out this historic medieval sword Each of these parts has a specific purpose, and together they make the sword an effective tool for combat. Medieval swords were often customized for the knight who would use them, so they can vary in size, shape, and decoration. Although all swords share these basic characteristics, craftsmanship and innovation in their design have led to a wide variety of swords throughout history. We hope you enjoyed it! See you soon!
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