Fencing began in the early 16^th century when disputes were settled by fighting with swords.  This evolved into dueling in the late 17^th century.  The population of dueling increased and more and more people began to fence to show superiority.  Thus creating what we now call fencing.  Today fencing is a safe sport using foils, epees, and sabers.  Although fencing is just sword fighting, it is an art performed by people, in which the modern fencer must be agile, fast, and intelligent.