Field of the Cloth of Gold (1520)
King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France were the original frenemies. After years of conflict, they were ready to strike and alliance. To celebrate their new friendship, there was a seventeen-day-long bash, with the two trying to outdo each other with how opulent they could be. They threw an epic party known in history books as the Field of the Cloth of Gold. Tents and clothing had gold woven into the fabric.
Feasts lasted all day, topped with fountains of wine and dancing monkeys. A 12,000 square foot (365 meter) tent decorated to look like a castle loomed over the event. Sports, like jousting, and archery added excitement to the festivities. It cumulated in a wrestling match between the two kings, with Henry losing the battle. The two parted without an alliance, and Henry aligned with Francis I’s rival, Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire.
