During the Middle Ages, the longsword had a position of honour among fighting disciplines. There are no known manuals predating the Late Middle Ages, although Ancient and Mediaeval literature (eg Icelandic sagas and German epics) record specific martial deeds and military knowledge; in addition, historical artwork depicts combat and weaponry (eg the Bayeux tapestry, the Morgan Bible). The central figure of late Mediaeval martial arts, at least in Germany, is Johannes Liechtenauer. Though no manuscript written by him is known to survive. From the 15th century into the 17th, numerous Fechtbücher (German "fencing-books") were produced, of which some 55 are extant; a great many of these describe methods descended from Liechtenauer’s. Normally, several modes of combat were taught alongside one another, typically unarmed grappling (Kampfringen), dagger (Degen), long knife (Messer) or Dussack, half- or quarterstaff, pole arms, longsword (langes Schwert), and combat in plate armour (Harnischfechten), both on foot and on horseback. Important 15th century German fencing masters include Sigmund Ringeck, Peter von Danzig, Hans Talhoffer and Paulus Kal, all of whom taught the teachings of Liechtenhauer. From the late 15th century, there were brotherhoods of fencers (Fechtbruderschaften), most notably the Brotherhood of St. Mark (attested 1474) and the Federfechter. Some Fechtbücher have sections on dueling shields (Stechschild), special weapons used only in trial by combat, a method ...