Judicial Combat

By Crusader1307

Said to belong to customs related to The Ancient Germanic Peoples, “Judicial Combat” is not the same as “Ordeal By Combat”. Such legally sanctioned “Fights” were unknown in Ancient Rome (from which most of Medieval Law was based. The Practice developed with The Franks and Burgundians around the 10th Century (as well as other early Medieval Cultures). Judicial Combat saw both Man versus Man, Woman versus Woman and of course the once unthinkable - Man versus Woman. In many cases, if no clear cut proof of Legal wrongdoing could be provided by either Claimant, either could demand Judicial Combat. However, there were strict Codes and Protocols that had to be established, in particular in cases of Men versus Women. Men were physically larger and stronger than Woman and certain “equalizing positions” needed to be created. As with Men (and very similar to “Ordeal By Combat”, certain weapons had to be agreed upon prior to a Fight. Most often no Armor or Mail could be used. Agreed upon weapons and a Shield were roughly all that could be used. As with Man versus Women, often great pains were made to made such “fights” fair. This was mostly accomplished in The “Arena of Combat”. These were dirt grounds which were parked off by wooden fences or ropes. Often a Towns populace turned out for The Affair (more so out of “entertainment” rather that supporting either side). A hole was normally dug in the Center of The Arena. The hole was configured to be “half” of the height of the Man engaging in combat (or rather the Man stood inside the hole up to just below his mid-Chest). Otherwise unencumbered, this was seen as “equalizing” a Man and Woman engaging in “battle”.

Both Combatants wore a White or Buff colored “Penitent Suit”. These were form fitting coverings which allowed full range of motion normally not available in traditional Medieval styled clothing. Everything was covered (including the hair). Only The Face and Hands were exposed. A common weapon chosen was a Sap-like weapon called a “Slag” (in some Countries). The Sock-like weapons was a linen tube into which was placed rocks or metal balls. The weapon could easily cause blunt force trauma, broken bone and death – if struck against the face or head. Both Combatants swung away at each other, with only the Female having the ability to retreat or advance. The Man was regulated to wait and leg strikes. Even if he was able to cripple his Combatant, he could not leave his hole. If he was close enough to deliver a “death blow,  He could. If not, and their was not yielding by the Female Combatant, she would be dispatched by Guards (standing by). Whoever did not die or yielded as a result of their injuries, was seen as The Loser. The Court made the final decision as to the disposition of the wounded Combatant.

Such Cases could be brought about by claims of Adultery or Suits of Divorce. Failure to render Spousal or Child Support were also possible Claims for Combat. Also, Claims arising out of supposed “virginity” before Marriage (and finding the later false) could be a Claim – as a way of removing oneself from a promise of Marriage. Judicial Combat was a practice of Commoners and never practiced by Nobility or Royalty. The Practice died out by the 15th Century.