Fencing is considered by some to be the oldest sport known to humanity. Sword 'fencing' was used by the classical civilisations - most notably Egypt, Greece and Rome - as a competitive sport, a pastime, and a training method for their warriors. In the ancient world, fencing was no more complex than a rough duel between two individuals with swords. The exact mode of combat varied, but the duel remained - fighter against fighter in an arena where only one would walk away.