Mazzacudo

An interesting form of Italian foot tournament from the 14th century where the participants used a club and shield. The accounts from Pisa tell of a square in the city where men could go at any time between Christmas to Shrove Tuesday and challenge whomever they liked. The whole affair, conducted in the wintertime, climaxed in the holidays, when a large crowd gathered to watch the proceedings. Individuals would paint images their lovers on their shields, fighting in their honor. Trumpets sounded the start of the general mêlée. As the 14th century progressed, the combatants wore footsoldier’s armour and extra padding.