The Olympics Go Medieval

A curator imagines what sports would classify as worthy of the Olympics in the Middle Ages

Manuscript page depicting two different illustrations of sword fighting; in the image on the left, one figure has held the arm of the other, making them point their sword down; on the right, the two are in a closed stance, pressing their swords against each other.

Combat with Sword, about 1340–50. Ink and gold on parchment, 11 x 8 1/8 in. Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig XV 13, fol. 30

By Elizabeth Morrison

Aug 18, 2016

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With the Olympics being avidly watched over the past couple of weeks, there may be some curiosity about what elite sports were like in the time between the original Greek games and the well-loved extravaganza of today.

In other words, what would the Olympics have looked like in the Middle Ages?

Alas, there were no medieval Olympics, but there were competitive sports. Perhaps the best-known events pitting athletes against each other were tournaments—lavish gatherings of trained knights who fought each other with various weapons to garner fame and fortune.

Knights jousting. One is falling off his horse after being struck.

A Tournament Contest, about 1560–70. Tempera colors and gold on parchment, 16 15/16 x 11 3/8 in. Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig XV 14, fols. 18v-19

These knights were not just performing superb athletics. They were also practicing skills that were integral to their lifestyle and livelihood. Learning how to fight with sword, dagger, and lance, on foot and on horseback, was aimed toward the day when a knight might be asked to take up arms in war on behalf of his lord.

Manuscript illumination depicting a tournament of knights in front of a castle, where an audience watches from above on the parapet.

A Tournament before the Castle of Pucelles (detail), about 1320–40, Jeanne de Montbaston. Tempera colors, gold and silver on parchment, 15 1/2 x 11 3/4 in. Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig XV 5, fol. 283v

Some of these knights traveled from place to place across Europe looking to participate in tournaments, much as athletes today range the world for their meets. They could also become just as famous and crowd-pleasing as the icons of today, like Simone Biles or Usain Bolt. One example is Jacques de Lalaing (1421‒53), who never lost a tournament in the many he fought over the course of his career. In this image, he participates in a tournament where the agreed-upon weapon was the polaxe (a fighting ax with a hammer facing opposite the blade). He was so sure of himself, in fact, that he fought with armor on only one leg, essentially giving himself a “handicap” (he still won).

Manuscript illumination of two knights fighting in a ring while an audience of noblemen watch from above.

Jacques de Lalaing Fighting the Esquire Jean Pitois at the Passage of Arms of the Fountain of Tears (detail), about 1530–40, Circle of the Master of Charles V. Tempera colors and gold on parchment, 14 5/16 x 10 5/16 in. Getty Museum, Ms. 114, fol. 129v. Acquired in honor of Thomas Kren

And just as today, the coaches could become almost as famous as the athletes. Fencing master Fiore Furlan dei Liberi was as much revered in his time as someone like Marta Karolyi is in ours. This copy of his training manual was made for Nicolò d’ Este, ruler of Ferrara (in modern-day Italy), father of several sons who might well have benefited from the examples pictured. In the images, the master is depicted with a gold band around his leg, often getting the better of his unfortunate pupils.

Manuscript page depicting two different illustrations of sword fighting; in the image on the left, one figure has held the arm of the other, making them point their sword down; on the right, the two are in a closed stance, pressing their swords against each other.

Combat with Sword, about 1340–50. Ink and gold on parchment, 11 x 8 1/8 in. Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig XV 13, fol. 30

Many of the events we follow so enthusiastically today at the Olympics were also performed in the Middle Ages for fun or entertainment, including:

Rowing (more like bumper boats)

Manuscript illumination depicting two teams of rowboats.

Reaping; Zodiacal Sign of Virgo (border detail), about 1510–20, Workshop of the Master of James IV of Scotland. Tempera colors and gold on parchment, 9 1/8 x 6 9/16 in. Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig IX 18, fol. 5

Gymnastics (sadly, Prince William neglected to wear his crown while watching Olympic events in London)

Manuscript illumination depicting an outdoor area with one figure in a bridge pose, while various others stand about in conversation.

The Competition in Sittacene and the Placating of Sisigambis (detail), about 1470–75, Master of the Jardin de Vertueuse Consolation. Tempera colors and gold on parchment, 17 x 13 in. Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig XV 8, fol. 99.

Javelin Throw (bonus points for doing it from the back of a horse)

Manuscript illumination depicting a man on horseback throwing a lance

Initial E: A Knight on Horseback with a Lance, about 1290‒1310. Tempera colors and gold on parchment, 14 3/8 x 9 7/16 in. Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig XIV 6, fol. 229

And Wrestling (with maybe a little judo thrown in?)

Manuscript illumination of a figure holding up their arms with one leg raised, while a seated figure in front of them raises one leg. Behind them is another figure standing and pointing towards them both.

Initial T: The Twelve Apostles (border detail), about 1320‒25. Tempera colors and gold on parchment, 6 9/16 x 4 3/8 in. Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig IX 2, fol. 357

For other sports, we might have to use a little imagination to create a medieval equivalent.

Armor Swimming (one has to wonder how many golds Michael Phelps would win in this version!)

Manuscript illumination depicting a group of knights standing knee-deep in water in front of a fortress, fighting a group of knights standing above them on the fortress.

John of Gaunt Sailing for Brest and the Battle between the English and the Bretons, about 1480‒83, Master of the Soane Josephus. Tempera colors and gold on parchment, 17 x 13 in. Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig XIII 7, fol. 116v

Dragon Archery (is spitting fire really legal on the opponent’s side?)

Manuscript illumination depicting a dragon breathing fire down, while a half human, half bestial creature with wings shoots arrows from below, in the borders of the manuscript page.

Decorated Text Page, 1469, Nicolas Spierinc. Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, silver paint, and ink on parchment, leaf: 4 7/8 x 3 5/8 in. Getty Museum, 89.ML.35.30v

Castle Weightlifting (in Samson’s case, the hair really does help)

Manuscript border detail depicting a figure in an orange knee-length tunic with long hair and a sorrowful face, carrying a heavy object.

Women at the Tomb (border detail), probably 1170s. Tempera colors and gold on parchment, 11 1/8 × 7 7/16 in. Getty Museum, Ms. 64, fol. 111

And my personal favorite...

Balance Beam Over Hellfire (although surely the start value would be less if you get your guardian angel to hold your hand)

Manuscript illumination depicting a naked figure being led by the hand by a winged figure dressed all in blue through a dark environment.

The Torment of the Proud—Valley of Burning Sulphur, 1475, Simon Marmion. Tempera colors and gold on parchment, 14 5/16 × 10 5/16 in. Getty Museum, Ms. 30, fol. 15v

Which medieval Olympic event would you pick?

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