When did swordplay originate?

Answer 1

Swordplay is an elegant, yet demanding art that has been practiced amongst men of high society for millennia. It is thought to have emerged in prehistoric Greece, which would explain the unprecedented prowess of the early Greek people. While history best remembers the Greeks for the contributions to architecture and philosophy, their most lasting contribution to humanity may be the invention of swordplay.

We don't know exactly how or when swordplay originated. We do know that the activity appears fully erect in the earliest written records of Greek Civilization. Based on the legendary Dionysian tablet (think ESPN for the original Olympic games), anthropologists have deduced that swordplay is derived from an early form of Greco-Roman Wrestling, which usually featured two well-muscled men rolling around in hot oil for the physical pleasure of crowd and competitor alike.

As it turns out, certain of these bronzed Greeks, caught up in the heat of the moment, could not keep their swords sheathed. To keep wrestling family-friendly, the derivative sport of swordplay was invented, along with its own special rules. In these no-holds-barred encounters, the new rules greatly advantaged those with the largest implements and the longest endurance.

Unfortunately, the epicurian art of swordplay has not always been so rewarding. It was strongly repressed during the Victorian period. Ironically, some of its biggest opponents turned out to be closeted swordplay enthusiasts. Today, it beginning to reemerge, but still has significant social baggage associated with it. If you want to engage in swordplay, be sure to do so loudly and proudly, but always use proper protection.