Playing These 10 Games At Parties Could Actually Kill You In Medieval Times

The Medieval period was a time of beautiful art, chivalric tales, and poetry. It was also a time of brutality, cutthroat competition, and terrible deaths – and that’s just on the sports field.

Many of the athletics during the Middle Ages were violent and bloody. This is somewhat understandable as there was a fine line between sport and combat at the time, with some games actually mimicking violent combat. Then there were the recreational activities that didn’t even imitate war, but could be just as bloody as an actual battle.

But hey, sometimes people just get a little too competitive. Can you blame ‘em?

1. Shinty

2. Sword Duels

3. Gameball/Soulle

4. Archery

5. Hunting

6. Bear and Bull Baiting

7. Irish Stick Fighting

8. Hot Cockles

9. Hammer Throwing

10. Jousting

(via TopTenz)

It’s good to know that some of the more gruesome and cruel sports on this list were eventually banned. I’m definitely glad I wasn’t around when stick fighting was a thing.

Playing These 10 Games At Parties Could Actually Kill You In Medieval Times