It is known that the duel came to Russia from the West. It is believed that the first duel in Russia took place in 1666 in Moscow. Two foreign officers fought... Scotsman Patrick Gordon (who later became Peter's general) and an Englishman Major Montgomery (eternal rest to his ashes...).
Duels in Russia have always been a serious test of character. Peter the Great, although he planted European customs in Russia, understood the danger of duels and tried to immediately stop their occurrence with cruel laws. In which, I must admit, I succeeded. There were almost no duels among Russians during his reign.
Chapter 49 of the Petrovsky Military Regulations of 1715, called “Patent on duels and initiation of quarrels”, proclaimed: “No insult to the honor of the offended can in any way belittle”, the victim and witnesses of the incident are obliged to immediately report the fact of insult to the military court ... even failure to report was punished. For the challenge itself to a duel, deprivation of ranks and partial confiscation of property were supposed, for entering a duel and drawing weapons - the death penalty! With the complete confiscation of property, not excluding the seconds. At the same time, on the instructions of Peter I, "Societies of Officers" were created to deal with cases that discredited the honor and dignity of officers.
Peter III banned corporal punishment for the nobility. Thus, a generation appeared in Russia for which even a sideways glance could lead to a duel.
Empress Catherine II signed her "Manifesto on duels" dated April 21, 1787, which reflected Peter's view of duels as a crime against state interests. In this manifesto, the one who created the conflict by his actions was subject to punishment. Repeated participation in duels entailed the deprivation of all rights, status and a link to an eternal settlement in Siberia. Later, the link was replaced by demotion to the rank and file and imprisonment in a fortress.
Yet punitive measures have not been able to eradicate duels. After the end of the Patriotic War of 1812, fights in Russia intensified. The heyday of duels was during the reign of Alexander I and they continued until Alexander III. It is interesting to note that Emperor Paul I seriously proposed to resolve interstate conflicts not through war, but by holding a duel between emperors ... in Europe, this proposal did not receive support. In 1863, on the basis of the Societies of Officers, the Courts of Societies of Officers were created in the regiments and, with them, the Councils of Mediators. Councils of mediators (3-5 people) were elected by the officers' meeting from among the staff officers and were intended to clarify the circumstances of quarrels, attempts to reconcile the parties and authorize the fights. Two years later, the Courts of the Society of Officers were also created in the Maritime Department in the person of the "General Meetings of Flag Officers and Captains" (Court of Flag Officers). Emperor Alexander III approved the "Rules for dealing with quarrels that happened among the officers" (order by the Military Department N "18 of May 20, 1894). Thus, fights were legalized in Russia for the first time.
Call
Traditionally, duels began with a challenge. The reason for it was an insult, when a person believed that he had the right to challenge his offender to a duel. This custom was associated with the concept of honor. It was quite broad, and its interpretation depended on the specific case. At the same time, material disputes about property or money were resolved in the courts among the nobility. If the victim filed an official complaint against his offender, he no longer had the right to challenge him to a duel. The rest of the fights were arranged because of public ridicule, revenge, jealousy, etc. To offend a person, according to the concepts of that era, could only be equal to him in social status. That is why duels were held in narrow circles: between nobles, military men, etc., but it was impossible to imagine a battle between a tradesman and an aristocrat. If a junior officer challenged his superior to a duel, the latter could reject the challenge without damage to his honor, although there are cases when such battles were nevertheless organized.
Basically, when the dispute concerned people from different social strata, their lawsuit was resolved exclusively in court. In the event of an insult, one could calmly demand an apology from the offender. In case of refusal, a notification followed that seconds would arrive at the enemy. A challenge to a duel was carried out in writing, orally, or by inflicting a public insult. The call could be sent within 24 hours (unless there were good reasons). After the call, personal communication between the opponents ceased and further communication was carried out only through seconds.
A written challenge (cartel) was delivered to the offender by the cartelist. Among the ways of inflicting public insult was the phrase: "You are a scoundrel." When physically insulted, a glove was thrown at the enemy or a blow was struck with a stack (cane). Depending on the severity of the insult, the offended person had the right to choose: only weapons (with a slight insult, these could be stinging statements, public attacks against appearance, manners of dressing, etc. e); weapons and a kind of duel (with an average, such could be an accusation of deceit or obscene language); weapons, type and distance (in case of serious, aggressive actions were classified as such: throwing objects, slaps, blows, betrayal of the wife).
There were cases when a person insulted several people at once. The rules of duels in the 19th century in Russia in this case established that only one of them could challenge the offender to a duel (if there were several calls, only one of your choice was satisfied). This custom ruled out the possibility of reprisals against the offender by the efforts of many people.
Only the duelists themselves, their seconds, as well as the doctor could attend the duel in Russia. The 19th century, whose rules were based on generally accepted principles, is considered the heyday of this tradition. Women, as well as men with serious injuries or illnesses, could not become participants in the battle. There was also an age limit. Calls from older people over 60 were not welcome, although there were exceptions. If a person who was not able or did not have the right to participate in a duel was insulted, he could be replaced by a "patron". As a rule, these people were the next of kin. The honor of a woman could theoretically be defended with a weapon in the hands of any man who volunteered, especially if the insult was inflicted on her in public place. When a wife was unfaithful to her husband, her lover turned out to be in a duel. If the husband cheated, he could be called by a relative of the girl or any other man who wished.
Seconds
The next step after the call was the choice of seconds. Each side was allocated an equal number of seconds (1 or 2 people each). The duties of the seconds included the development of mutually acceptable conditions for the duel, the delivery of weapons and a doctor to the place of the duel (if possible from each side), preparing the place for the duel, setting up barriers, monitoring compliance with the terms of the duel, and so on. The conditions of the duel, the procedure for their observance, the results of the meeting of the seconds and the course of the duel were to be recorded.
The minutes of the meeting of the seconds were signed by the seconds of both sides and approved by the opponents. Each protocol was made in two copies. The seconds elected elders from among themselves, and the elders elected the manager, who was charged with the functions of the organizer of the duel.
When developing duel conditions, the choice was agreed upon:
place and time;
Weapons and the sequence of their use;
Final terms of the duel.
For the duel, sparsely populated places were used, the duel was scheduled for the morning or noon hours. The permitted weapons for duels were sabers, swords or pistols. Both sides used the same type of weapon: with equal length blades or a single pistol caliber with a difference in barrel length of no more than 3 cm.
Sabers and swords could be used in a duel on their own or as weapons of the first stage, after which the transition to pistols followed.
The final conditions of the duel were: to the first blood, to the wound, or after using up the prescribed number of shots (from 1 to 3).
Neither side was to wait more than 15 minutes for the other to arrive at the duel site. If the participant was late for more than 15 minutes, his opponent could leave the place of the duel, and the one who was late in this case was recognized as deviant and deprived of honor.
The duel was to begin 10 minutes after the arrival of all participants.
The participants and seconds who arrived at the place of the duel greeted each other with a bow. The second - manager made an attempt to reconcile opponents. If reconciliation did not take place, then the manager instructed one of the seconds to read the challenge aloud and ask the opponents whether they undertake to comply with the conditions of the duel? After that, the manager explained the conditions of the duel and the commands given.
Melee duel
Standard options for duels were established in the aristocratic environment by the 19th century. First of all, the nature of the duel was determined by the weapon used. Duels in Russia in the 18th century were carried out with swords, sabers and rapiers. In the future, this generally accepted set was preserved and became a classic. Dueling with bladed weapons could be mobile or stationary. In the first version, the seconds marked out a long area or path, on which the free movement of fighters was allowed. Retreats, detours and other fencing techniques were allowed. A motionless duel assumed that the opponents were located at a striking distance, and the battle was fought by the duelists who stood in their places. The weapon was held in one hand, and the second remained behind the back. It was impossible to beat the enemy with their own limbs.
The seconds prepared the places for the duel, taking into account equal opportunities for each duelist (the direction of the rays of the sun, wind, etc.).
Most often, identical weapons were used, but with the consent of the parties, each opponent could use his own blade. The duelists took off their uniforms and remained in their shirts. Watches and the contents of the pockets were handed over to the seconds. The seconds had to make sure that there were no protective objects on the body of the duelists that could neutralize the blow. The unwillingness to undergo this examination was regarded as avoiding the duel.
At the command of the manager, the opponents took their places, determined by the seconds. The seconds stood on both sides of each duelist (at a distance of 10 steps) according to the principle: friend or foe; someone else's. Doctors were at a distance from them. The second-manager stood in such a way as to see both the participants and the seconds. Opponents were placed against each other and the command was given: "Three steps back." The duelists were given weapons. The manager commanded: "Get ready for battle" and then:
"Begin". If during the duel one of the duelists fell or dropped his weapon, then the attacker had no right to take advantage of this.
If necessary, stop the fight the manager, in agreement with the second opposite side, raised up his melee weapons and commanded "Stop". The fight stopped. Both junior seconds continued to stay with their clients, while the seniors negotiated. If in vehemence the duelists continued the duel, then the seconds were obliged to parry the blows and separate them.
When one of the duelists received a wound, the fight stopped. Doctors examined the wound and gave a conclusion about the possibility or impossibility of continuing the fight.
If one of the duelists violated the rules or conditions of the duel, as a result of which the enemy was wounded or killed, then the seconds drew up a protocol and initiated prosecution of the perpetrator.
Fights with pistols
Dueling pistols ("gentleman's set") were used for the fights. Pistols were bought new, and only exclusively smooth-bore pistols were suitable for duels, and not shot, i.e. no smell of gunpowder from the barrel. The same pistols were not fired again in duels. They were kept as a souvenir. This rule was necessary in order not to give any of the opponents a noticeable advantage.
Participants arrived at the place of the fight with their untouched pair sets. The rules for dueling pistols in Russia stated that the choice between sets was made by drawing lots.
The loading of pistols was carried out by one of the seconds in the presence and under the control of the others. Pistols were drawn by lot. Having received pistols, the duelists, holding them with their barrels down with the triggers not cocked, occupied the places established by lot. The seconds stood at a distance from each duelist. The manager asked the duelists:
"Ready?" - and, having received an affirmative answer, commanded:
"To fight." At this command, the triggers were cocked, the pistols rose up to head level. Then followed the command: "Start" or "Shoot."
There were several options for duels with pistols:
1. Stationary duel (duel without movement).
a) The right of the first shot was determined by lot. Dueling distance was chosen in the range of 15-30 steps. According to the dueling code, the first shot must be fired within one minute, but usually, by agreement between the parties, it was fired after 3-10 seconds. after the start of the countdown. If, after a specified period of time, a shot did not follow, then it was lost without the right to repeat. The return and subsequent shots were fired under the same conditions. The seconds were counted out loud by the manager or one of the seconds. A pistol misfire was counted as a perfect shot.
b) The right of the first shot belonged to the offended. The conditions and order of shots remained the same, only the distance increased - up to 40 steps.
c) Shooting on readiness.
The right of the first shot was not established. The shooting distance was 25 steps. Opponents with pistols in their hands stood in designated places with their backs to each other. At the command "Start" or "Shoot", they turned to face each other, cocked the hammers and began to aim. Each duelist fired on readiness in a time interval of 60 seconds (or by agreement from 3 to 10 seconds). The second manager loudly counted the seconds. After counting "sixty" the command followed: "Stop". Blind duels were also practiced. In such a duel, men fired shots over their shoulders, standing with their backs to each other.
d) Dueling on a signal or command.
The duelists, being in their places face to face at a distance of 25-30 steps from each other, had to shoot simultaneously at the agreed signal. Such a signal was clapping hands given by the second-manager with an interval of 2-3 seconds. After cocking the hammers, the pistols rose up to the level of the head. With the first clap, the pistols lowered, with the second - the duelists aimed and fired at the third clap. This type of duel was rarely used in Russia and was widely used in France and Germany.
2. Mobile duel
a) Rectilinear approach with stops.
The starting distance was 30 paces. The distance between the barriers is at least 10 paces. Being in the starting positions face to face, the opponents received pistols. Seconds took places on both sides of the barriers in pairs with a lateral removal of 10 steps. At the command of the second-manager "Cock up" - the triggers were cocked, the pistols were raised up to the level of the head. At the command "Forward March", the duelists began to move towards the barrier. At the same time, in the interval from the starting point to the barrier, they could stop, aim and shoot. The shooter was obliged to remain in his place and wait for a return shot for 10-20 seconds. The one who fell from wounds had the right to shoot while lying down. If during the exchange of shots none of the duelists was injured, then, in accordance with the rules, the exchange of shots could occur three times, after which the duel was terminated.
b) Complicated approach to stops.
This duel is a variation of the previous one. Initial distance up to 50 steps, barriers within 15-20 steps. At the command "To battle", the opponents cocked their hammers and raised their pistols up to head level. Movement towards each other on the command "Forward March" occurred in a straight line or in a zigzag with an amplitude of 2 steps. Duelists were given the opportunity to shoot on the move or with a stop. The shooter was obliged to stop and wait for a return shot, for the production of which 10-20 seconds were allotted (but not more than 30 seconds). A duelist who fell from a wound was given twice as much time to return a shot.
c) Opposite-parallel approach.
The approach of the duelists took place along two parallel lines, 15 steps apart from each other.
The initial positions of the duelists were located obliquely, so that at opposite points of their lines, each of them saw the enemy in front and to his right at a distance of 25-35 steps.
The seconds took up positions on the right behind their client's opponent, at a safe distance. Having taken their place on the parallel lines, which had been drawn by lot, the duelists received pistols and, at the command “Forward march”, cocked the triggers and began to move along their lines on the opposite side (it was also allowed to remain in their place).
For a shot, it was necessary to stop, and after it, to wait for a response in a motionless position for 30 seconds.
Some duels were arranged according to the principle of Russian roulette. It was resorted to in case of irreconcilable hostility between the arrows. Opponents stood at a distance of 5-7 steps. Of the two pistols, only one was loaded. Weapons were distributed by lot. Thus, the rivals maximized the risk and randomness of the outcome. The lot gave equal chances, and it was on this principle that the rules of dueling with pistols were based. The rules also included a barrel-to-mouth duel. The difference with the previous one was only that both pistols were loaded. Such showdowns often ended in the death of both shooters.
The ending
If in the end the duelists remained alive, at the end they shook hands with each other. The perpetrator apologized at the same time. Such a gesture did not humiliate him in any way, since the honor was restored by a duel. Apologies after the fight were considered only a tribute to tradition and the norm of the code. Even when duels in Russia were distinguished by cruelty, the seconds after the end of the battle necessarily drew up a detailed protocol of what had happened. It was certified by two signatures. The document was necessary to confirm that the duel took place in full accordance with the norms of the code.
In October 2002, George W. Bush and Saddam Hussein were asked to resolve their differences in a duel. Of course, this was not taken seriously. It's a pity. Look, hundreds of thousands of lives would have been saved. Alas! The times of fair fights are reliably written off in the archive.
However, not everyone was delighted with the ancient tradition of duels. The remarkable Russian journalist A.S. Suvorin wrote: “How I seethed with indignation against this shameful and vile murder, which is called a duel. Is the outcome of a duel a judgment of God, and not an accident or the skill of a shooter?
Let's try to answer this question.
XV century. Italy. The origin of duels
Classic duel in Western Europe originated in the late Middle Ages, around the XIV century. The birthplace of the duel was Italy, where street fights like those described in Romeo and Juliet often raged on the streets of cities. Young noble Italians more and more often chose battle alone with weapons in their hands as a means of revenge for imaginary and real insults. In Italy, such fights were called fights of predators or a fight in the bushes, because they usually fought to the death and in a secluded place, usually in some kind of copse. The duel participants met alone, armed only with a sword and a daga (a dagger for the left hand) and entered into a duel until one of them fell dead. The number of duels grew rapidly, and the prohibitions of the Church soon followed, finally formalized by the decisions of the Council of Trent. The Council in 1563, with the aim of completely banishing from the Christian world the disgusting custom, introduced by the cunning of the devil, in order to lead the soul to death by the bloody death of the body, determined the punishment for duelists as for murder, and, moreover, excommunication from the church and deprivation of Christian burial. However, it had no effect. Moreover, the duels easily crossed the Alps and began their solemn procession through Europe.
XVI-XVII century. classical period. France. First duel fever
French nobles and military men who got acquainted with the duel during Italian wars(1484-1559), became grateful students of the Italians.
In France, the duel quickly became fashionable both in the capital and in the provinces. Participation in the duel began to count good tone, for young people it has become a kind of extreme sport, a way to attract attention, popular entertainment! As a result, the duel quickly migrated from secluded places, as was customary in Italy, to the streets and squares of cities and to the halls of palaces, including the royal one. At first, there were no clear dueling rules. The provisions of knightly treatises were valid only in theory, since in those days a military man or a nobleman who read books was the exception rather than the rule. For them, in the words of one of his contemporaries, the sword served as a pen, the blood of their opponents as ink, and their bodies as paper. Therefore, an unwritten code for the settlement of fights gradually took shape. Any noble who was insulted could challenge the offender to a duel. It was also allowed to call in defense of the honor of relatives and friends. A challenge (cartel) could be issued in writing or verbally, in person or through an intermediary. Since the 70s of the 16th century, they preferred to do without special formalities, and it could take several minutes from a challenge to a duel. Moreover, such a duel, immediately following an insult and a challenge, was regarded by public opinion as more prestigious and noble.
The reason for the call could be the most insignificant. Quite quickly, a specific type of duel lovers appeared - breters, everywhere looking for a reason for a duel, who love to risk their own lives and send opponents to the next world. Sung by Alexandre Dumas in the novel The Countess de Monsoro, Louis de Clermont de Bussy d'Amboise (quite a historical figure) was just one of those. Once he fought, arguing about the shape of the pattern on the curtains, and deliberately defended a position far from the truth, deliberately provoking the interlocutor. Often duels were caused by rivalry on the love front. Usually such a duel was an ordinary revenge, albeit furnished with due finesse. Cartels were received by those who managed to achieve a profitable appointment, a prestigious award, and receive an inheritance. There were fights for best place in church, at a royal reception or a ball, because of a dispute about the merits of horses, hunting dogs. The main rule of duels was simple: having received an insult, you can immediately send a challenge, but then the right to choose a weapon belongs to the enemy. However, there was a loophole: in order to keep this right for himself, the offended provoked the offender to challenge. To do this, in response to the insult, he himself accused the interlocutor of lies and slander. According to Etienne Pasquier, an outstanding lawyer of that time, even lawyers did not invent as many tricks in litigation as duelists invented them, so that the choice of weapons belonged to them. Refusal to duel was impossible. Without damage to honor, only people over 60 years old could refuse to duel. The minimum age for participation in fights was determined at 25 years old, but in fact they fought already from 15-16. If a nobleman wears a sword, he must be able to defend his honor with it. Illness and injury could also be considered good reason to refuse a fight. True, some theorists argued: if one of the opponents does not have an eye, the second is obliged to blindfold himself, if there is no limb, bandage the corresponding one to his body, etc. Persons of royal blood were forbidden to call for a duel - their life belonged to the country. Fights between relatives, between a lord and a vassal, were condemned. If the conflict was considered by the court, then it was no longer possible to resolve it by a duel. It was humiliation in the eyes of the world to demand a duel with a commoner. According to tradition, between persons who fought in a duel, only friendly relations should arise after the duel. Calling the person who defeated you in the previous fight and left your life was like starting a duel with your own father. This was allowed only if the winner boasted of victory, humiliated the vanquished. As a weapon in French duels, swords were used, sometimes supplemented with a dagger in the left hand, less often there were fights only on daggers or with two swords. They usually fought without chain mail and cuirasses, they often took off and outerwear - camisoles and tunics, remaining in the same shirts or bare-chested. So they got rid of the robes that hindered movement and at the same time showed the enemy the absence of hidden armor. Most often, duels of that period ended in the death or serious injury of one of their participants. To spare the enemy was bad form, and to surrender was humiliation. Rarely did anyone show nobility, allowing them to pick up a weapon knocked out of their hands or to rise from the ground after being wounded - more often they killed someone who fell to the ground and was disarmed. However, this behavior was largely due to the very heat of the battle, and not cruelty. A quarrel between Ashon Muron, the nephew of one of the marshals of France, and the elderly captain Matas took place in 1559 on a hunt in Fontainebleau. Muron was young, hot and impatient. He drew his sword and demanded to fight immediately. An experienced military man, captain Matas not only knocked out the sword from the young man, but also read him a lecture on the benefits of fencing skills, noting that it was not worth attacking an experienced fighter without knowing how to fight. This he decided to limit himself to. When the captain turned away to get into the saddle, the enraged Muron hit him in the back. Muron's family ties allowed this matter to be hushed up. Tellingly, when discussing the duel in secular salons, the nobles wondered how an experienced captain could allow such imprudence, and did not condemn the dishonorable blow. The French kings were at first present at the most famous fights. However, their position changed rather quickly. In 1547, the Chevaliers de Jarnac and de la Chatenierie met in a duel. Jarnac's sword struck de la Chatenierie - the most famous fighter of his time and the favorite of the king in the knee and the fight was stopped. Chatenieri was very angry, did not allow himself to be bandaged, and died three days later. Henry II abolished the obligatory presence of the king in duels and even began to condemn them. However, the first royal prohibitions did not lead to the disappearance of duels, but, on the contrary, to an increase in their number, and now chain mail hidden under the shirt and group attacks were used. It was then that seconds appeared who monitored compliance with the rules and, if necessary, could intervene. But in 1578 there was a duel, after which the seconds also began to fight among themselves. At the court of King Henry III there were several young nobles who were favored by the king. All of them distinguished themselves in the military field, dressed provocatively, appreciated entertainment and gallant (and not only) adventures. For their appearance and behavior, they received the nickname "minions" (handsome). In The Countess de Monsoro, Dumas told the story of the minions in his own way. We will tell you what really happened.
The conflict began with a private quarrel between one of the minions, Jacques de Levy, Comte de Quelus, and Charles de Balzac d'Entrague, Baron de Dune. The cause of the quarrel was a certain lady who was interested in both of them. During a conversation with a rival, Kelyus, as if jokingly, told d'Antrague that he was a fool. d'Entragues, also laughing, replied that Quelus was lying. The opponents arrived at Turnel Park by five o'clock in the morning, each accompanied by two friends. One of Antrag's seconds, Ribeyrac, as was customary, tried to reconcile the rivals, but Quelus's second Mogiron rudely interrupted him and demanded an immediate fight with him. After that, the two remaining seconds, Livaro and Schomberg, began to fight for the company. Mogiron and Schomberg died on the spot, Ribeyrac died a few hours after the fight. Livaro was crippled - the sword cut off his cheek cleanly - and died two years later in another duel. Antrag escaped with a light wound in his hand. Kelyus fought for his life for several days, but died from many wounds. This duel had two very important consequences. Firstly, it became the first group duel, after which the fights of the seconds along with the duelists began to come into fashion. Secondly, the king, although he issued several acts against duels, ordered the bodies of the dead minions to be buried in beautiful mausoleums and erected wonderful marble statues over them. And the French nobility understood this position of the king accordingly: fighting, of course, is forbidden, but, in fact, super honorable. Thus began the real "dueling fever". The ordinance of 1579, issued by the king at the insistence of the Estates General, threatened to punish the duel as an insult to majesty and a violation of the peace, but blood flowed like a river in defiance of all prohibitions. Only in the 20 years of the reign of Henry IV (1589-1610), according to contemporaries, from 8 to 12 thousand nobles died in duels (and some modern historians cite a figure of 20 thousand). However, the royal treasury was always empty, and therefore, instead of the punishment imposed by the ordinances, the surviving duelists were granted "royal forgiveness". During those years, more than 7 thousand such papers were issued, and they brought to the treasury about 3 million livres in gold only on notary registration. In such conditions, when it became fashionable and prestigious to fight, the reasons for the duel quickly became smaller. “I fight just because I fight,” the legendary Porthos used to say. It was the same in real life! Let's say four worthy chevaliers go to meet another four (only two out of eight have a reason for conflict). Suddenly one of the first four cannot appear - let's say he has a stomach ache. The remaining three go to the appointed place, and they come across a completely unfamiliar nobleman, hurrying about his business. They greet him and say: “Worthy sir! We are in a difficult position: there are four of them, and we are three. The odds are not in our favor. Could you help us?" And the rules of courtesy of that time required the stranger to answer that he had been honored, and that he and his sword were completely at the service of those asking for help. And he went along with the trinity and entered into battle with a man whom he had not even heard anything about until that moment. The struggle of kings against duels entered a new phase under Cardinal Richelieu. The edict of 1602 threatened the heaviest punishment (death penalty and complete confiscation of property) indifferently to both participants and seconds and those present. Despite such strictness of the law, the number of duels almost did not decrease. In the reign of Louis XIV, eleven edicts against dueling were issued, but even in his reign, royal pardons were issued to almost everyone. The last French duels were already held with the use of new firearms, although at first there were some oddities here. Viscount Turenne and Count Guiche started shooting with arquebuses. The accuracy of the shots was low: two horses and one spectator were unlucky - they were killed. And the duelists, as if nothing had happened, having reconciled, moved on their way.
XIX century: the decline of duels in Europe
In the 19th century, dueling in Europe became the exception rather than the rule. Having survived the revolution, France perceived duels of honor as an old class prejudice that collapsed into oblivion along with the Bourbon monarchy. In the Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte, duels also did not take root: the Corsican personally despised them, and when the Swedish king Gustav IV sent him a challenge, he answered: “If the king certainly wants to fight, I will send to him as an authorized minister any of the regimental fencing teachers.” Reasons for dueling were still, at times, ridiculously insignificant. For example, in 1814 in Paris, the famous duelist Chevalier Dorsan had three duels in one week. The first took place because the enemy "looked askance at him", the second because the lancer officer "looked too boldly" at him, and the third because the familiar officer "did not look at him at all"! By the middle of the 19th century, Germany remained the only Western European country where laws still allowed duels. By the way, Germany has become the birthplace of the famous student duels on honed Schlegers (rapiers). Dueling brotherhoods, which were formed at each university, regularly held fights, however, more like sports. For 10 years from 1867 to 1877, several hundred duels took place only in small universities - Giessen and Freiburg. They almost never had a fatal outcome, as all sorts of precautions were taken: the duelists put on special bandages and bandages on their eyes, neck, chest, stomach, legs, arms, and the weapons were disinfected. According to one doctor in Jena, who attended 12,000 duels between 1846 and 1885, there were no deaths.
Another trend of the 19th century was the laying down on paper of dueling traditions and rules, i.e. drafting dueling codes. The dueling code was first published by the Comte de Chateauvilleart in 1836. Later, the dueling code of Count Verger, published in 1879 and summarizing the experience accumulated over the centuries, became generally recognized in Europe.
Duel in Russia
For three centuries, blood was shed in Western Europe, swords flashed and shots rattled in duels of honor. But in Russia it was quiet. The first duel here took place only in 1666. And even then between foreigners who are in the Russian service. They were officer Patrick Gordon, a Scot, later a teacher and colleague of Tsar Peter, and Major Montgomery, an Englishman. In 1787, Catherine the Great published the "Manifesto on Combats". The duel in it was condemned as a foreign plantation. For wounds and murder in a duel, the punishment was imposed as for the corresponding intentional crimes. If the duel ended bloodlessly, then the duel participants and seconds were fined, and the offender was exiled to Siberia for life. Anyone who found out about the duel was obliged to report it to the authorities. And doctors were strictly forbidden to treat wounds received on "French nonsense."
And at the dawn of the 19th century, during the reign of Alexander I, when the dueling custom entered the sunset in Europe, Russia began its own dueling fever. "I challenge you!" sounded all over the place. Staff Captain Kushelev had been waiting six years for the opportunity to duel with Major General Bakhmetyev. Once he beat with a stick the young Kushelev, who had just entered the service in the guard. Although he was only 14 years old, Kushelev did not forget and did not forgive the offense. They agreed to shoot "to the fall", but both missed. Bakhmetiev apologized, the incident was over, but the story did not end there. One of the seconds, Venanson, as required by law, informed the military governor of St. Petersburg about the duel. The court took place. They decided to hang Kushelev, Bakhmetiev and three seconds to deprive them of their ranks and noble dignity. But the emperor had to approve the verdict. And Alexander I took and canceled the decision of the court. The emperor punished Kushelev with the deprivation of the rank of chamber junker, ordered Venanson to be put in a fortress for a week, and then sent to the Caucasus, the rest were completely released. As a result, Venanson, the only one who acted according to the law, suffered the most. The emperor took the side of public opinion, not the law.
Insults that led to duels were conventionally divided into three categories:
1) Light; the insult concerns the non-essential aspects of the personality. The abuser made unflattering remarks about appearance, habits, or mannerisms. The offended could only choose the type of weapon
2) Moderate; the insult was abusive. Then the offended could choose the type of weapon and the type of duel (to first blood, to a severe wound, to death)
3) Heavy; insult by action. A slap or cuff and other assault, as well as very serious accusations from the offender. The victim could choose the type of weapon, the type of duel and set the distance.
In Russia, duels, as a rule, were held with pistols. Initially, they used European rules. So, a duel with fixed arrows was common. It was an alternate exchange of shots no more than a minute later. The order was determined by lot. Sometimes in such a duel, at the beginning, opponents were placed with their backs to each other. On command, both of them turned around and fired either in turn, or whoever was faster. The distance in such fights was from 15 to 35 steps, but the seconds could agree on less. The duel with "barriers" is the most common. Opponents were placed at a distance of 35-40 steps. A line was drawn in front of each of them, it could be marked with a flag, a cane, an abandoned overcoat. This mark was called the "barrier". The distance between the barriers was 15-20 paces. On the command "forward!" the duelists advanced towards them, cocking their guns. The weapon should have been held upside down. Speed - any, you can not stand and retreat, you can stop for a while. Any participant could make the first shot. But after the first shot, that duelist who had not yet fired could demand that his opponent reach his mark. This is where the famous expression “to the barrier!” comes from. The second shot, therefore, took place at a minimum distance. Duel on parallel lines is the rarest. Two lines were drawn at a distance of 15 steps from each other. The opponents walked each along their own line, the distance gradually decreased, but its minimum was set by the distance between the lines. The order of firing is arbitrary, the speed of movement and stopping, too. However, there were also purely Russian inventions, such as the “over the scarf” duel, when the opponents stood in front of each other at a distance of a scarf stretched diagonally, and only one of the two pistols was loaded by lot, the barrel-to-barrel duel is exactly the same, only both pistols are loaded; and the "American duel", when the exchange of shots was replaced by suicide by lot.
The most famous Russian duelist was Count Fyodor Tolstoy, nicknamed the American. In duels, 11 people fell from his hand, and according to some information, even 17. By the way, he was punished for the duel only once. The murder of guards officer A.I. Naryshkin cost him a short imprisonment in the fortress and demotion to the soldiers. But then the war with Napoleon began, and Tolstoy was able to prove himself as a brave fighter. In one year from a soldier, he rose to the rank of colonel! But the fate of Fyodor Tolstoy punished more severely than the authorities. The name of each one killed in a duel was recorded by the American in his synodic. He had 12 children, almost all died in infancy, only two daughters survived. With each child's death in the synodic, a short word appeared in front of the name of the person killed in a duel: "kvit". According to legend, after the death of the 11th child, when the names ran out, Tolstoy said: "Thank God, at least my curly-haired gypsy baby will be alive." Praskovya's daughter, the "gypsy girl", really survived. Dueling tales of those times are no less fascinating than modern stories of hunters or fishermen. There were also many tales about Tolstoy. So they said that one day he had an argument on a ship with a naval officer. Tolstoy sent a cartel to the sailor, but he said that the American shoots much better, and demanded that the chances be equalized. Tolstoy suggested a duel "barrel to barrel", and the sailor believed that it was more honest to fight in the water until one drowned. Tolstoy did not know how to swim, and the sailor declared him a coward. Then the American grabbed the offender and rushed overboard with him. Both floated out. But the sailor had a heart attack and died.
They also say that one day a good friend of his in desperation turned to the American with a request to be his second. The next day he was to shoot himself, and he feared for his life. Tolstoy advised his friend to sleep well and promised to wake him up. When the friend woke up in the morning, he realized that the time for the duel had already come and, frightened that he overslept, rushed to Tolstoy's room. He slept without hind legs. When the friend pushed the American aside, he explained to him that the day before he had gone to his friend's opponent, insulted him, obtained a challenge and had fired with him an hour ago. “Everything is in order, he was killed,” the American explained to his comrade, rolled over on the other side and continued to sleep. By the way, in 1826, a duel between Tolstoy and Pushkin almost happened, she was upset by a whole series of coincidences. And so, who knows, maybe the life of the poet, a frequent participant in duels, would have been interrupted earlier.
Kings, presidents and politicians in duels
In 1526, things almost came to a duel between the two most powerful monarchs in Europe. The Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles V, called the King of France Francis I a dishonorable man. He answered with a challenge. It did not come to a duel, but this incident greatly raised the duel's authority among the masses.
Russian Emperor Paul I challenged all the monarchs of Europe to a duel, publishing a challenge in a Hamburg newspaper - his seconds were to be generals Kutuzov and Palen. The latter, by the way, somewhat later personally killed the emperor. But not in a duel, but as a conspirator.
The Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus, the illustrious commander of the first half of XVII century, vigorously pursued duels with his decrees. But when, offended by his slap in the face, the colonel of the army, unable to call the king himself, left the service and left the country, the king caught up with him at the border and himself handed him a pistol with the words: “Here, where my kingdom ends, Gustav Adolf is no longer king, and here, as an honest man, I am ready to give satisfaction to another honest man.
But the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm I considered it a humiliation for himself to accept a challenge from a certain major. He put in his place an officer of the guard, who defended the honor of the monarch. Formally, the king was absolutely right, but in society he was not approved.
In Russia, one officer was insulted by Alexander III, while still a crown prince. The officer could not challenge the heir to the throne to a duel, so he sent him a note demanding a written apology, otherwise threatening to commit suicide. The Tsarevich did not react. After 24 hours, the officer fulfilled his promise exactly and shot himself. Emperor Alexander II sharply scolded his son and ordered him to accompany the officer's coffin at the funeral.
As for the famous uncrowned politicians, many of them were also involved in duels. So, in 1804, US Vice President Aaron Burr decided to run for governor of New York. Alexander Hamilton, First Secretary of the Treasury, publicly accused him of being unreliable. A challenge followed. Burr mortally wounded Hamilton and was put on trial. He did not go to prison, but his reputation was ruined. Now only a few remember him, and a portrait of Hamilton is known to many - he is on a 10-dollar bill. In 1842, Abraham Lincoln anonymously took the liberty of insulting Democrat James Shields. He wrote that he was "as much a liar as he is a fool." Shields was able to find out who the author was. In Illinois, duels were banned, and rivals were forced to travel to the neighboring state of Missouri to duel. However, the seconds managed to persuade Lincoln to apologize, and Shields to accept the apology.
The anarchist revolutionary Bakunin challenged Karl Marx to a duel when he spoke disparagingly of the Russian army. Interestingly, although Bakunin, as an anarchist, was an opponent of any regular army, he stood up for the honor of the Russian uniform, which he wore in his youth, as an artillery ensign. However, Marx, who in his youth fought with swords with students of the University of Bonn more than once and was proud of the scars on his face, did not accept Bakunin's challenge, since his life now belonged to the proletariat!
Some curious cases in duels
200 years ago, a young widow of San Belmont was insulted by a rake. He did not want to fight a woman, and she had to disguise herself as a man and find an independent reason to call. At the duel, she knocked out his sword and only then revealed the secret - he was defeated by a woman. The enemy was doubly ashamed.
A popular French anecdote was the story of a duel between two officers. One of them was late for a duel, and his second told the enemy: "Lieutenant McMahory asked me to tell you that if you are in a hurry, you can start without him."
Once in England two lords gathered to fight. Before the start of the duel, one of the participants declared injustice: the opponent was much fatter. He immediately suggested marking the contours of the opponent on himself and not counting hits outside the marked zone. The touched opponent refused the duel.
Many variations tell an anecdote about the most famous theatrical duel, changing the names of the participants and the title of the play. The bottom line is that after several unsuccessful attempts during the performance to kill the character in a duel, his partner ran up to him and kicked him with anger. Saving the situation, the actor shouted: "My God, his boot is poisoned!". Then he dropped dead.
And, finally, the legendary "American duel" with the participation of Alexandre Dumas. Having quarreled with a certain officer, he was forced to accept his conditions for a duel. One loaded revolver, a hat, and in the hat there are two pieces of paper with the inscriptions "death" and "life". Whoever pulls out "death" must shoot himself. "Death" drew Dumas. After saying goodbye to his friends, he retired to the next room. A shot rang out. Opening the door, the seconds saw Dumas unharmed in the room, who said: “Missed!”
Exotic Duels
In 1645, in London, a duel took place in a dark basement on cleavers. In the end, the opponents were simply tired - the cleavers were heavy - and made up.
Young Frenchmen Peak and Grandper fought for the heart of the prima donna of the royal opera. When it came to the duel, these brave guys decided to fight not on earth, but in heaven. Both took to the sky balloons. At an altitude of 200 m, the balls approached at a distance of aimed fire. The grandper fired his ramrod gun first, and hit the shell of the opponent's ball. The aircraft caught fire and went down like a stone. It turned out on sinful earth - the beauty fled abroad with a third admirer.
No less exotic was the duel between two English officers in India. The British sat for several hours in dark room, where they launched a spectacle snake. In the end, the cobra still bit one of the duelists.
A very strange duel almost took place in Russia with the participation of the legendary adventurer and hoaxer Count Cagliostro. Cagliostro called the doctor of the heir to the throne of the future Paul I a charlatan. The life doctor challenged him to a duel. The count chose two pills as weapons, one of which will be stuffed with poison. However, the doctor refused such a "duel".
In France, there were duels on billiard balls, canes, razors and even crucifixes. And in Russia, the bailiff Tsitovich and staff captain Zhegalov fought on heavy copper candelabra. Tsitovich chose this "weapon" because he did not know how to fence or shoot with a pistol.
It is said that Hemingway, as a correspondent on the Italian front during the First World War, was challenged to a duel and offered terms and weapons: twenty paces and hand grenades.
There are cases when women also participated in duels. And sometimes defending the honor of men. In 1827, in France, Madame Chateroux learned that her husband had received a slap in the face, but did not demand satisfaction. Then she herself challenged the offender to a duel and seriously wounded him with a sword. And the opera singer Maupin generally had a reputation as a real brute. She had a very unbridled disposition and took lessons from the best fencing teacher at that time. At one of the receptions, Maupin insulted one of the ladies. She was offered to leave the hall, but she set the condition that all men dissatisfied with her behavior should leave with her. There were three daredevils, and all of them, one by one, were stabbed to death by the opera fury. Louis XIV, very uncompromisingly disposed to duels, admiring Maupin's courage, pardoned her.
Postcard, late 19th century
The most compelling argument in an argument sometimes turned this argument into a farce. Sometimes comedy. More often than not, tragedy. "My Planet" tells about the most famous disputes of the recent past.
Since ancient times, duels have been used as the best way to prove one's case - by right of the strong. The very concept of "duel" arose around the 14th century and comes from the Latin duo - "two". By the 16th century, “fights of honor” had become a real headache for European monarchs. Thousands of people died, among whom were quite famous and significant personalities. Below we will talk about the ten most famous duels in history.
Quadruple duel: Zavadovsky and Griboyedov vs. Sheremetev and Yakubovich
In 1817, because of the charming ballerina Avdotya Istomina, the queen of secular Petersburg, four men immediately entered the fray.
By that time, Avdotya had been in connection with the cavalry guard staff captain V.V. for two years. Sheremetev. Relations were unstable, and after another quarrel, Istomina left her boyfriend. A couple of days later, one of her friends, aspiring writer A.S. Griboyedov called the frustrated ballerina to tea with him. However, a new boyfriend was also waiting for her at a party - the secular lion Count Zavadovsky, who rented an apartment with Griboyedov. Sheremetev was furious when he learned about Zavadovsky's connection with Istomina, and on the advice of his friend Alexander Yakubovich challenged the count to a duel. And Griboedov, who unwittingly turned out to be the initiator of Istomina's acquaintance with the count, was summoned by Yakubovich himself.
On November 12, Sheremetev died in a duel. Yakubovich and Griboedov fought only a year later, during which Yakubovich remained unharmed, and the writer was shot through the little finger on his hand. Much later, this mutilation helped to identify his corpse among those killed by religious fanatics in Tehran.
Failed duel: Ivan Turgenev vs. Leo Tolstoy
Fortunately, the duel never took place.
In the 19th century, on the basis of duels, Leo Tolstoy also distinguished himself, who had a far from sugary character. The young writer often clashed with his surroundings, teaching everyone how to live. Turgenev was complete opposite: a typical intellectual, creativity is in its prime, “Notes of a Hunter”, “Noble Nest” have already been written.
On May 27, 1861, when both masters were visiting Afanasy Fet, Tolstoy in the heat of the moment insulted Turgenev's daughter Polina: they say that her charity towards the poor is insincere and even theatrical. Angry Turgenev left Fet's house. Written clarification of the relationship began between the writers, in which they challenged each other to a duel. But since the letters arrived late, Tolstoy and Turgenev, in turn, managed to cool down by the time they received the messages.
Fortunately, the duel never took place, otherwise, perhaps, Anna Karenina, War and Peace and other literary masterpieces would not have come down to us. However, the writers resumed their friendship only after 17 years of boycott.
Most ridiculous duel: Otto von Bismarck vs. Rudolf Virchow
The case is almost unique: the rational man of science Rudolf Virchow outwitted the influential minister Otto von Bismarck
Prussian Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck, like most politicians, had both supporters and opponents, chief among them was Rudolf Virchow, who was elected leader of the radical party. Virchow was a supporter of the revolution, which Bismarck wanted, on the contrary, to suppress.
The differences came to a head during a debate on May 30, 1865. Bismarck felt insulted after Virchow's remarks that the Prussian military budget had been exorbitantly inflated due to the fault of the minister, and the country plunged into poverty. Without waiting for an apology, Bismarck challenged his opponent to a duel.
However, Virchow was also a scientist. When Bismarck's seconds came to him, he defended his right to choose a weapon for a duel and offered to fight on sausages. One of them was supposed to be contaminated with toxins and be fatal to whoever eats it. Bismarck refused such an undertaking, wittily replying that "heroes do not overeat themselves to death."
Duel of a man with an animal: Richard de Maker against a dog
The chronicler Olivier de la Marche did not fail to note: when Macer's body stopped twitching in the noose, the late de Montdidier's dog immediately calmed down.
At the end of the XIV century in France, two knights served at the court of Charles V - Aubrey de Mondidier and Richard de Maker. Aubrey was more successful and often made Macer jealous. One day, friends went hunting, but only Richard returned from it. The corpse of the knight was found in the forest, hidden under the leaves, by the dog Aubrey. After the funeral, the dog, who had found shelter with a friend of the murdered owner, met Maker on the street and suddenly attacked him with a wild bark, which aroused suspicion among those present. This happened every time the dog saw the knight. The phenomenon reached the king himself, who decided to personally investigate. By his order, about 200 knights, including Makera, lined up in front of the palace. Then a dog was brought into the yard, which immediately rushed towards the suspect.
During the interrogation of the King, Maker denied all charges. Then Karl decided to resort to the practice of God's judgment, assigning the role of accuser to the dog. So on October 8, 1371, for the first time in history, a duel of a man with an animal took place. Maker was armed with a stick and shield, but they did not help him. As soon as the dog was let off the leash, it attacked the enemy. Amazed, Maker confessed that he had killed Aubrey and began to beg for mercy. However, by the decision of His Majesty, the knight was sent to the gallows, and a monument was erected to the dog, who avenged the owner, in the vicinity of Fontainebleau.
The most famous duel: "duel of minions"
The duel was perceived by most courtiers as a senseless massacre.
In this battle, six fought at once: three minions of King Henry III and three from his opponent, the Duke of Guise. However, the reason lay not at all in politics. One day, one of the minions, the Comte de Quelus, accidentally found the Baron d'Antragues (a supporter of the Duke of Guise) with his beloved. A day later, the Count deliberately joked about her in public, saying that this lady was "more beautiful than virtuous". The baron's call came instantly.
The duel took place in the park of Tournelle in Paris on April 27, 1578. First, de Quelus and d'Entragues entered the battle, but later their seconds could not stand it either (although according to the dueling code they should not have interfered in the duel). As a result, the seconds killed a friend of the arc, but the instigators of the duel remained alive. The baron escaped with a scratch on his hand, and de Quelus received about 19 wounds. The king allocated a considerable amount for the treatment of his pet, and the restless count even got better, but decided to ride a horse. The wounds opened and the minion died.
If everything described seems familiar to you, no wonder - the story of this duel was included in the plot of the novel by Alexandre Dumas père "Countess de Monsoro".
The most unusual duel: Monsieur de Grandpre vs. Monsieur Le Pic in a balloon
During the fall, both the duelist and the pilot who controlled the ball died.
In 1808, a duel in the air took place in France. Two respectable gentlemen - de Grandpre and Le Pic - fell in love with the same dancer of the Paris Opera, Mademoiselle Tirevy. The rivals came to the conclusion that there is no better way to find out which of them is worthy of the heart of a prima donna than to shoot themselves. Since at that time there was a fashion for balloons among the Parisian nobility, the duelists decided to sort things out right in the sky.
Having risen each on his own ball about 900 m, the Monsieurs stopped at this height and fired at each other. De Grandpre's bullet hit Le Pic's balloon, after which it caught fire and fell to the ground along with the duelist and pilot.
The winner claimed his right to Mademoiselle Tirevy's heart. However, the prima donna did not appreciate the courage shown in heaven, preferring a completely different man.
The most famous ladies' duel
Russian women knew a lot about duels. Moreover, this type of showdown was actively cultivated in Russia.
Do you think duels were exclusively male fun? Not at all. In Europe in the 17th century, the fashion for fights literally swept the lovely ladies. Women's battles were even tougher than men's and often ended in death. You can read more about the most famous women's duels and their history in, but for now, let's tell you where it all began.
June 1744 German Princess Sophie Frederica Augusta of Anhalt-Zerbst is challenged to a duel by her second cousin, Princess Anna Ludwiga of Anhalt. Duelists are 15 years old! The princesses, who did not share some trifle, locked themselves in the bedroom and fought with swords. Fortunately, both stopped in time, otherwise world history would not recognize Catherine the Great.
After ascending the throne, the Empress literally introduced the fashion for female duels in Russia. So, in 1765, 20 fights took place, in eight of which she even acted as a second. However, being an opponent of lethal outcomes, Catherine introduced the slogan: "Before the first blood!" Due to this, during her reign there were only three cases of death of women in duels.
The most curious duel: Sasaki Kojiro vs. Miyamoto Musashi
Two quick blows to the samurai were enough for the master to kill him
AT Japanese culture duels occupied a special place and took place differently than in Europe and Russia. No pistols, no swords. In the East there was another weapon - swords. There was another tactic: the opponents first froze in front of each other, then circled, looking for the moment to strike, which subsequently decided everything. Scenes like this are often seen in Japanese films.
One of the most famous duels among samurai is the battle in 1612 between two famous swordsmen - Miyamoto Musashi and Kojiro Sasaki. It is believed that the reason for the duel was their different views on, in fact, the art of fencing. While Sasaki, who was a true master of the sword and author of the signature move "swallow lunge", was formidable and self-confident, Musashi was a comical spectacle, arriving at the scene with an oar hastily shaved into a sword. Sasaki relaxed in advance and considered the duel won, but Musashi managed to deflect the blow and kill the enemy with just one clear blow to the head with an oar. It remains only to add: weapons are nothing, equipment is everything!
The most tragic duel: Alexander Pushkin vs. Georges de Gekkern (Dantes)
Dantes fired first and wounded Pushkin in the stomach. Having fallen into the snow, the poet soon got up and fired, easily wounding the offender in the hand.
Pushkin's work is recognized as a national treasure. The cult of the poet developed during his lifetime, but popularity always has a downside.
In 1835, the attractive young officer Dantes-Gekkern met Natalia Pushkina, the poet's wife, and fell in love. In the secular circles of St. Petersburg, rumors immediately spread, including about the reciprocity of Natalia's feelings. Pushkin, despite slight excitement, retained confidence and tenderness for his wife, until in November 1836 he received an anonymous letter in which he was dubbed a cuckold and hinted at his wife's relationship with Dantes.
And there would have been a duel even then, but Dantes got married. And not on anyone, but on Natalia's sister, Ekaterina Goncharova. However, even after the wedding, Georges continued to look after Natalia, which gave society a reason for new witticisms. Having lost his patience, in 1837 the poet sent a letter to Dantes' adoptive father, Louis Gekkern, where both were refused home. The duel is inevitable.
On February 8, 1837, Pushkin was mortally wounded in the stomach, and Dantes escaped with a small hand wound. Two days later, the country lost its genius. People came in crowds to say goodbye. Vasily Zhukovsky, amazed at the peaceful expression on the face of his deceased friend, called the sculptor, who took off his death mask. After that, she sold copies among her closest friends, but now there are almost in every Pushkin museum. From whom else the death masks were removed, read in.
Bloodless duels
Now bloodless duels are sometimes called the prototype of paintball.
At the beginning of the 20th century, they finally thought about the value of human life and came up with a relatively safe alternative- bloodless duels. The opponents fired from 20 m from pistols with wax bullets. Such an original weapon was invented by the French doctor de Villers in 1905. After that, he conducted training sessions at the elite Parisian Combat School, and among their visitors was even the ex-president of France, Casimir Perrier.
Wax bullets were incapable of inflicting fatal injury, in addition, long canvas cloaks and steel masks were used for protection. Thus, bloodless duels looked more like a sport, looked spectacular and quickly gained popularity. The New York Times wrote about one of the fights in 1906: two wealthy Americans in leather coats and protective masks fired on command in a certain men's club. The duel ended in a draw, but both the participants and the audience received their portion of adrenaline. Now bloodless duels are sometimes called the prototype of paintball.
Today, you can insult anyone with the help of the Internet. Sometimes they argue strangers without choosing words. Only now you can answer the offender only with the help of the same "virtual" weapon, without causing him real harm.
But in the old days, the issue of insults was solved much easier. If the men quarreled with each other, then they appointed a duel or duel. At first, swords and swords were weapons, and then they were replaced by pistols. And such a solution to the problem was much more convincing than pressing the "complain" button.
And the most interesting thing is that duels in some countries and in some periods of history were a completely legitimate means of sorting things out. True, heated men often did not stop even the ban on such fights. And although duels were a noble way to figure out how to defend honor, these fights sometimes turned out to be rather ridiculous and ridiculous.
Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve vs Paul-Francois Dubois. Duels are understandable when two bitter enemies collide in a dispute. But sometimes the situation gets out of control between old friends and colleagues. This is exactly what happened to Sainte-Beuve and Dubois, whose duel took place on September 20, 1830. Sainte-Beuve was a literary critic who created his own method of evaluating the work of writers. He believed that all their stories and novels actually reflect them to one degree or another. own life and experience. Dubois was the editor of the newspaper Le Globe. Paul-Francois not only taught the famous critic at the Charlemagne Lyceum, but also hired him to work in his publication. What exactly they were arguing about remained a mystery. But the result was a duel scheduled in the woods near Romainville. The problem was heavy rain. Sainte-Beuve stated that he did not mind dying, but refused to get wet in doing so. The critic picked up an umbrella instead of a pistol. As a result, no one died, and the two writers later became friends again. Sainte-Beuve himself recalled Dubois as a wonderful and sincere person. But the publisher behind his back called the critic "sissy, afraid of rain."
Otto von Bismarck vs Rudolf Virchow. This story is about how a politician was ready to defend his beliefs, which in modern world just don't meet. Otto von Bismarck was the Prussian minister who unified Germany and became its chancellor. In 1865 he clashed with the leader of the Liberal Party, Rudolf Virchow. This scientist and oppositionist believed that the politician had unnecessarily inflated the military budget of Prussia. As a result, the country plunged into poverty, overpopulation and epidemics. Bismarck did not challenge his opponent's views, but simply challenged him to a duel. At the same time, the politician generously allowed his opponent to choose a weapon. But Virchow acted outside the box, he decided to fight with the help of sausages. One of them was raw, contaminated with bacteria. Bismarck understood that when using edged or firearms, Virchow simply had no chance. But sausages equalized opportunities. Then Bismarck said that the heroes have no right to eat themselves to death and canceled the duel. The story is not only funny, it is also notable for the fact that the head of the country summoned an oppositionist. Usually the opposite happens.
Mark Twain vs James Laird. Twain was a famous opponent of the duel. The writer considered them an unreasonable and dangerous way to sort things out. According to Twain, it is also sinful. If someone challenged him, the writer promised, with maximum courtesy and politeness, to take the enemy to a quiet place and kill him there. That is why it is not surprising that when he challenged the editor of a rival newspaper to a duel, he tried his best to prevent it. Describing the fight that never took place, Twain recalled that he was terrified. The fact is that his opponent was a famous shooter. But as soon as Laird and his second approached the place of the duel, Mark Twain's second, Steve Gillis, hit the head of a flying bird from 30 meters. Laird asked in amazement, who fired the subway like that? Then Gillis said that Twain, an excellent sniper, did it. Fortunately for the writer, Laird chose not to risk his life and canceled the duel.
Marcel Proust vs Jean Lorrain. Digital technologies make it difficult for writers to deal with devastating reviews of their creations. The fight comes down to endless comments, reposts and likes. In 1896, Proust published a collection of short stories, Joys and Days, but the poet and novelist Jean Lorrain issued a devastating review on this subject. In addition, the critic called the author himself "soft-bodied" and allowed himself to make remarks about his personal life. The duel was scheduled for February 5, 1897. Proust's only request was not to start the duel until noon, as he was a pronounced "owl". Nevertheless, the writer arrived at the duel immaculately dressed. Both writers fired and both missed. Then the seconds agreed that the honor was restored. It is worth saying that such a reaction to the review was still excessive, but with the help of a duel, both writers were able to resolve their differences. It's good that both of them turned out to be bad shooters, otherwise the literature would be greatly impoverished.
Lady Almeria Braddock vs Mrs Elphinstone. This duel went down in history as a “skirt duel”. The two ladies decided to go a little further in sorting out their relationship, as was customary among French women. But nothing foreshadowed such an outcome of the usual tea party between two friends - Mrs. Elphinstone and Lady Braddock. It’s just that the first one began to describe the appearance of the hostess using the past tense: “You were beautiful woman". Lady Almeria Braddock was so offended by these words that she immediately scheduled a duel in nearby Hyde Park. Initially, it was decided to shoot with pistols. After the bullet hit Lady Braddock's hat, she still insisted on continuing the duel. Then the ladies took up their swords. And only when Fly Braddock was able to easily injure her offender, she agreed to a written apology from her side. The duel was over, but it was an unusually spectacular performance.
Sasaki Kojiro vs Miyamoto Musashi. This duel may seem ridiculous, but one cannot deny its participants ingenuity. In 1612, in a duel on the territory of feudal Japan, two fighters, principal opponents, met. They did not agree on the art of swordsmanship. There are many different descriptions of that duel. The most common version says that Musashi was three hours late, and besides, instead of a sword, he came with a hewn oar. It was a psychological blow to the enemy. Musashi smiled at his opponent as he threw insults at him. And when Kojiro was blinded by the rays of the rising sun, he hit him with his improvised weapon, killing him. It turns out that it was possible to defeat the legendary warrior with the help of being late and a boat oar.
François Fournier-Sarlovez vs Pierre Dupont. Frnier-Sarlovez was a very impulsive man who resorted to the sword at every opportunity. The fact that duels in France in the 17th century were banned did not stop him either. The most famous duel of Fournier-Sarlovez stretched out for a long 19 years. These events even formed the basis of Joseph Conrad's novel The Duel and Ridley Scott's film The Duellists. And it all started in 1794. Pierre Dupont, an army courier, delivered Fournier's message. But he didn't like the message. Word for word, the unlucky courier turned out to be guilty, whom the bully immediately challenged to a duel. He agreed and managed to wound Fournier, but not mortally. Having recovered, he offered revenge. This time Dupont was wounded. Both were wounded the third time. Over the next 19 years, the duelists met about 30 times, trying to prove something to each other. They even concluded an agreement that the duel could not take place only if there was a distance of more than a hundred kilometers between them. And although the French called each other sworn enemies, they corresponded and even sometimes dined together after the fight. In 1813, Dupont decided to marry, and the old enmity was useless to him. He suggested that the issue be resolved. The decisive duel took place in the forest. Dupont decided to cheat - he hung his camisole on a branch, where he discharged Fournier's charges. Then the groom said that he would not shoot, but next time he would do it twice. So Fournier stopped the pursuit of his old enemy.
Humphrey Howard vs Earl Barrymore. Experienced duelists know that there are always some precautions to be taken before a duel. In 1806, an argument broke out between two respectable English gentlemen, Humphrey Howard MP and Henry Barry, 8th Earl of Barrymore, which led to a duel. But Howard, a former army doctor, knew that it was the infection in an open wound that most often became fatal. That is why he decided that clothing is the very subject. And if the count, like a real gentleman, appeared in battle in a frock coat and top hat, then his opponent prudently stripped naked. It is said, however, that Howard made this decision under the influence of alcohol. But the count turned out to be sober enough, preferring to hush up the matter. Is it an honor to kill naked man or, on the contrary, to die at the hands of a nudist yourself? Howard was satisfied with this decision, and the gentlemen went home.
Alexei Orlov vs Mikhail Lunin. When a person agrees to accept a challenge to a duel, it would be nice to have some skills for this. Alexei Orlov was not ready for the fight. He was a good general who distinguished himself in Napoleonic Wars. But this does not mean that he knew how to shoot accurately. Orlov never fought a duel with anyone, which became an occasion for jokes among young people. Lunin suggested that the general experience a new sensation for him, in fact, by challenging him to a duel. It was impossible to refuse such, even a playful challenge. Orlov's vulnerability became noticeable during a duel with the much more experienced and skilled cavalryman Mikhail Lunin. He provoked the general so much that Orlov really wanted to kill the offender. The first shot went to an inexperienced duelist, but the bullet only knocked off Lunin's epaulette. He only laughed in response and shot into the air. Then the furious Orlov fired again, hitting the hat this time. Lunin laughed and fired again into the air. He took pleasure in danger. The enraged Orlov wanted to reload the weapon, but the senseless duel was stopped. Lunin offered shooting lessons to his opponent. And although the young officer did not win the duel, he won up in the battle - Orlov was humiliated.
Monsieur de Grandpre against Monsieur de Piqué. It seems that duels are something French, who, if not they, know a lot about this lesson and observe certain style. In 1808, an opera prima donna fell in love with two venerable monsieurs. The rivals decided that there was no better way to ward off a competitor from their passion than to shoot with him. And the victory itself should have had a positive effect on that very lady. The men decided to carry out a duel in balloons, high in the sky, for greater showiness. Opponents rose up above the Tuileries Garden in Paris, taking with them muskets with gunpowder and lead bullets. Co-pilots, who were assigned an unenviable fate, helped to control the balls. As soon as the balls approached within firing distance, Grandpre and Piqué fired at each other. Piquet's ball caught fire and fell down. Together with the duelist, his co-pilot also died. The most interesting thing is that the prima donna did not appreciate such a sacrifice and fled with another fan.
Andre Marchand against the dog. This amazing story happened in the XIV century. André Marchand went hunting with his friend, Jacques Chevantier. The friends could not find a third companion, but they took a friendly dog. During the hunt, Jacques Chevanet disappeared somewhere. No one would have suspected the disappearance of Marchand's man, only the dog of the missing man, who was an eyewitness to the events, literally barked at the sight of his master's friend. Chevantier's acquaintances came to an original conclusion - the dog wants to challenge Marchand to a duel, instead of the missing Chevantier. In order to save honor, Marchand had to accept the challenge. But he could not choose a revolver, it simply did not exist then. Then the duelist decided to fight with a club with iron fangs. They just looked like dog fangs. The dog had little choice but to rely on his natural weapons - teeth and claws. The fight was surprisingly short. As soon as the dog was let off the leash, he immediately grabbed the neck of the enemy. Marchand did not even have time to use his club. They say that dying, the poor fellow managed to confess to the murder of a friend. But most likely this legend was invented by the organizers of such a wild fight to justify their madness.
Count Cagliostro vs Doctor Sozonovich. The famous European sorcerer Count Cagliostro visited Russia in the 18th century. Here he was given a warm welcome - the magician found many admirers and clients. But at court there were also those who openly called the visiting guest a charlatan. The most serious conflict broke out at Cagliostro with Dr. Sozonovich, the court physician of Empress Catherine II. A curious incident occurred - Prince Golitsyn's only ten-month-old son fell ill. Official medicine shrugged it off, but Cagliostro managed to cure him in just a month. Gossip whispered that the count simply replaced the baby. Then the offended Sozonovich challenged Cagliostro to a duel. He said that since it concerns medicine, then the weapon should be a poison prepared with his own hands. Enemies must exchange pills and whoever has the best antidote wins. Cagliostro later boasted how, in front of everyone, he managed to replace the poison with a ball of chocolate. But the gullible Sozonovich drank poison, trying to muffle its effect with a few liters of milk. Fortunately, both duelists survived. Perhaps the cunning Italian decided to spare his opponent and did not give him poison. After all, after that duel, Cagliostro wrote to Sozonovich that the pill contained only a potency-enhancing agent.
Jack Robson and Billy Beckham. Times change the weapons of duelists. At first it was swords and swords, later - firearms. As you can see, even the balloons took part in the showdown. In this case, two American farmers decided to sort things out with their cars. The reason for the duel was banal - both guys fell in love with a certain beauty. The Americans decided that in the middle of the 20th century, weapons should be appropriate, which is why they chose cars. Early in the morning, the rivals gathered at the edge of the plateau, where the seconds - a doctor and a mechanic - were to observe the honesty of the duel. Yes, and the very subject of the dispute - a charming lady, appeared at the place of the duel. At the command of the car with great speed rushed towards each other. But at the last moment, the duelists turned away, avoiding instant death. The men decided to change tactics - now they were trying to push the enemy's car into the abyss. The winner was Jack Robson, but his prize was not the girl's heart, but 15 years in prison. The beauty herself married a bus driver who kindly drove her home after a terrible duel.
