Page "Sword" Paragraph 50

Civilian use of swords became increasingly common during the late Renaissance, with duels being a preferred way to honourably settle disputes.

The practice of civilian duelling, with specifically designed civilian swords such as the Italian Cinquedea and Swiss Baselard, became so popular that according to one scholar: " In France during the reign of Henry IV ( 1589 – 1610 ), more than 4, 000 French aristocrats were killed in duels in an eighteen-year period ... During the reign of Louis XIII ( 1610 – 1643 )... in a twenty-year period 8, 000 pardons were issued for murders associated with duels.