On this day in 1351, 30 French knights challenged an equal number of English swordsmen to a prearranged battle at Guillac in northwest France. The ensuing bloodbath would become known as Le Combat des Trente.

In all, six Frenchmen were killed during the engagement against England’s nine. Medieval author and historian Jean Froissart claimed the warriors “held themselves as valiantly on both sides” as the event was soon hailed as an example of the highest display of chivalry.