EPISODE · Jul 24, 2026 · 14 MIN
What is the history of fencing?
from History for Kids / History's Not Boring: The Kids History Podcast · host SCL
Grab your time machine and get ready to duel! Did you know that fencing has been around for over 3,000 years? Join Mira and Finn as they uncover the thrilling and surprising history of sword fighting! You will travel all the way back to Ancient Egypt, where fighters actually tied safety masks directly to their wigs to practice! We'll discover how Roman gladiators trained with extra-heavy wooden swords, and why medieval knights didn't actually need to swing 50-pound weapons. Then, dash into the Renaissance where heavy armor was completely traded for the lightning-fast, graceful rapier! Discover how clever inventors made the sport safer with the wire-mesh mask and the blunt foil, turning dangerous duels into a high-speed game of physical chess. You will even learn how fencers used wet ink on the tips of their swords to keep score before electronic scoreboards were invented! From ancient temple carvings to being one of the first modern Olympic sports in 1896, find out how sword fighting became one of the fastest and most elegant sports in the world. En garde!
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Grab your time machine and get ready to duel! Did you know that fencing has been around for over 3,000 years? Join Mira and Finn as they uncover the thrilling and surprising history of sword fighting! You will travel all the way back to Ancient Egypt, where fighters actually tied safety masks directly to their wigs to practice! We'll discover how Roman gladiators trained with extra-heavy wooden swords, and why medieval knights didn't actually need to swing 50-pound weapons. Then, dash into th...
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What is the history of fencing?
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