How did the nature of tournaments change over time?

Answer 1

Over time, tournaments evolved from informal contests primarily focused on knightly skills and martial prowess into structured events with defined rules and regulations. Initially, they served as a means for knights to gain honor and demonstrate bravery, but as society changed, tournaments began to incorporate elements of chivalry and pageantry, emphasizing entertainment and spectacle. By the late Middle Ages, tournaments became more organized, often sponsored by nobility, and included various competitions beyond combat, such as jousting and Archery. This shift reflected broader social changes, including the rise of courtly culture and the increasing importance of status and spectacle in aristocratic life.