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The medieval tournament was a mixture of sport, military training, entertainment and business. As a sport, it was a contest of strength and skill by which fame and reputation could be won. As military training, it prepared the knight for what he would experience in battle - injury and death were not uncommon. As entertainment, it was lavish and spectacular, much enjoyed by the court. As business, it allowed for captured opponents to be held to ransom exactly as in real war.
The double-page miniature on folios 67v-68 of The Book of Tournaments depicts the preparation for a tournament, massed horsemen about to do battle.
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