How to win a duel
When honour was at stake, a gentleman’s only option was to cross swords
For centuries, settling a dispute through armed combat was not only customary, it was a highly respected ritual reserved for the upper class. These fights, known as duels, would occur when a man’s honour was questioned or brazenly offended. For a proud gentleman personal or family honour was worth more than gold, and although duels usually ended when the first blood was drawn, some were fought to the death.
Duels were carefully organised and followed a code of conduct, which separated them from medieval trials of combat and ancient forms of contest. They became a cultural norm throughout Europe during the Renaissance era, when the nobility commonly carried razorsharp rapiers as a symbol of their wealth and status, as well as for protection.
Blades remained the primary weapon of choice for duels until the development of pistols saw combatants aim gunshots at one another instead of sword blows. In these arguably deadlier duels, men would often try not to kill their opponent, shooting wide of the target. However, one of the most notorious duels in US history saw politician Alexander Hamilton shot dead by Vice President Aaron Burr in 1804.
Duelling eventually became outlawed in many countries, but the practice continued in secret up until the early 20th century. As one historian put it, the First World War was “a duel that virtually ended duelling”.