The toreador knight author of bullfighting writings during the time of Philip IV

Abstract

In the High Modern Age, as authors and bullfighters, Spanish knights crafted their own tauromachy model and chivalrous bullfighting, which were incorporated in the European noble equestrian games in the Low Middle Ages, used as a way to prepare people for war during peace time. First appeared the spearing of bulls (thirteenth-sixteenth centuries), followed by the rejoneo, in splendor throughout the reign of Philip IV. Written works were composed from the mid-sixteenth century until the end of the seventeenth century, which focused on tauric norms and equestrian skills. The bullfighting games were backed by monarchs during Spanish court festivities, main squares, and these rules were very much presented in their demeanor and courtiers’ values (moderation, elegance, courage and audacity), which had the goal of edifying people watching these celebrations.