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What duties did medieval heralds perform at tournaments?
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heraldry
Cylinder seal impression from the Akkadian period with a combat scene between a bearded hero and a bull-man and various beasts.
In the 12th century, heralds played a central role in the formal conduct of tournaments. Their primary duties included:
- Supervision and Proclamation: Heralds were responsible for formally announcing and conducting the events, which included issuing proclamations for each joust and announcing the names of the participating combatants.1
- Identification: To perform these duties effectively, it was essential for a herald to be familiar with family lineages and to be able to recognize the armorial bearings (banners and shields) of local nobles on sight.12
- Record Keeping and Praise: Heralds often acted as messengers and minstrels who, following the conclusion of a tournament, would recount and extol the virtues and deeds of the victors.2
These responsibilities required a deep knowledge of genealogy, which eventually led to the professionalization of the heraldic office as they became experts in identifying and regulating the symbols used by the nobility.12