Shippensburg University was very lucky to have Dr. Francesco Lodá speak this evening about dueling in Late Medieval and Early Modern Europe. Focusing especially on the Italian Marcelli familial school-of-arms, Professor Lodà demonstrated that the most advanced Masters of Arms achieved very high status, despite the fact that they had not originated from the aristocracy — and they were granted special permission to possess and use weapons that were normally prohibited.
What made the Marcelli and other Masters-at-Arms so different? For one, they transcended the regionalism so typical of Italy at that time, having travelled and trained in many countries. Also, their expertise in swordsmanship excelled others. They also made connections to sacred religious practices, invoking God’s name and praying as they went about their profession. All of this enabled families like the Marcelli to gain enormous prestige that lasted for centuries.
