An Introduction to Medieval Fencing Manuscripts

The rich history of Martial Arts in Medieval Europe has been preserved in manuscripts and books. These martial arts manuals have proven to be invaluable for historians seeking out the methods and ethics of fencing through the Middle Ages. Join Brittany Reeves, Head Instructor of Mordhau Historical Combat, for a guided tour of several unique manuscripts detailing how to use longswords, settle disputes through judicial duels, wrestle with daggers, and so much more! This lecture will include a hands-on portion for handling medieval manuscript facsimiles such as the Talhoffer Fechtbuch MS Thott.290.2º, the Bauman Fechtbuch Cod. Ⅰ.6.4º.2, and the Munich Leckuchner Fechtbuch Cgm 582.

Brittany Reeves is the Head Instructor at Mordhau Historical Combat; a Medieval Martial Arts school based in Mesa, Arizona. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Medieval History with a minor in Art History and has been teaching historical fencing for nearly a decade across North America and Europe.