Abstract

It has been claimed that, among its other creations, the Italian Renaissance invented the Duel. Although part of the ritual that shapes medieval aristocratic identity, dueling in its modern form emerged in the sixteenth century in close connection with a new concept of honor. The aim of my paper is to explore aspects of the pre-modern concepts of honor, defined against mere social recognition. Paying attention to both juridical texts and philosophical treatises, I intend to shed some light on problems as different as conflicts’ settlements, the control of violence, and the legitimation of civil power.