knfa14,+Sports+and+Leisure

During the Renaissance Period, the adults and children created different games from pre existing materials. Children constructed different balls out of wood, cloth, and animal bladders which were played with by the children and their friends. Stick horses were constructed from clay and wood for children to "ride". Toy dolls were made for young girls and toy soldiers were made for young boys from the same materials; clay and wood. Children stayed entertained by playing with these constructed items as well as with sports and other toys in their households.

Dolls made from clay, wood, and cloth

Sports were very popular amoung adults and children during this time. Many of these events were organized, like tournaments and large competative events. Jousting tournaments took place between two horsemen, with a goal of getting the other knight off of his horse. The knights often used three weapons when trying to knock the other down. The first weapon was a lance, which was just like a modern day spear. The second tool was a rondel, which was a type of dagger. Lastly, the came equipped with a sword, also used in modern day fighting. In order to be announce the winner, one knight had to be knocked off of the horse. If both men were knocked down at the same time, the result would be a tie. The winner would be the last one standing after the sword fighting on the ground.

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<-- One-handed sword

Some other sports participated in by men included wrestling, hand to hand combat, swordsmanship, and horsemanship. Swordsmanship can be related to modern day fencing. The reason for all of these events was not for entertainment and sports. The goal was training the people for war.

In people's free time, they often played games that we consider family board games. During the Renaissance, they also played board games. These type of games became much more popular in this era. Dice were created and constructed out of stone, knuckle bones, and wood. Games such as backgammon and cribbage were very popular in this time period. Classical games such as checkers and chess were among the most played games. Card games became very common during the Renaissance. Also, bowling and tennis were played by adults and children. Fencing began, with specific rules and moves that had to be followed in order to play. No matter what the activity was, all of the people were very competitive!

<--Chess Cribbage

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