Achille Marozzo
Italian fencing master of the Bolognese tradition.
via Wikipedia: Achille Marozzo · see source
Achille Marozzo, born around 1484 and likely in Bologna, was a key fencing master within the Dardi or Bolognese tradition. His major work, Opera Nova dell'Arte delle Armi, first appeared in Modena in 1536 with a dedication to Count Rangoni, and saw multiple reprints into the following century. This text is regarded as a crucial 16th-century fencing manual, detailing theory and techniques for a wide array of weapons, including sword paired with various shields, a dagger, a cape, or used alone; two-handed sword; polearms like the lance and partisan; and unarmed defense against a dagger. It also contains a thorough section on Italian judicial duel customs. Marozzo credited Guido Antonio Di Luca as his teacher, claiming Di Luca’s school produced warriors as numerous as those from the Trojan horse. Later Bolognese masters like Viggiani and Dall'Agocchie may have been influenced by his work. Today, historical fencing groups worldwide study Marozzo’s teachings.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 1484
- Died
- 1553
- Birthplace
- probably Bologna
- Notable work
- Opera Nova dell'Arte delle Armi
- Publication year
- 1536
- Publication place
- Modena
- Teacher
- Guido Antonio Di Luca
Facts from the source article.
Background
Marozzo states he studied swordsmanship under Guido Antonio Di Luca, about whom he says that 'as many warriors came out of his school as did out of the Trojan horse'. The text was originally embellished with woodcuts; after the 1568 edition, copperplate engravings were used. Later Bolognese fencing masters such as Viggiani and Dall'Agocchie may have been influenced by his work, if not directly studied under him. Today, Marozzo's work is studied and researched by several historical fencing groups in different countries.
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