1. Miguel de Cervantes vs. Antonio de Sigura (December 1568)

Cervantes is known today as the towering figure behind Don Quixote and thus the father of the modern novel. But at one time, he was just a struggling scholar looking forward to the prospect of becoming a respected gentleman. It was while trying to further his reputation at the Royal Palace in Madrid that Cervantes fell into a violent argument with Sigura, an architect. A rapid duel was fought, and when guards rushed to the scene, they found Antonio disarmed and wounded.

Although gentlemen were practically required to carry swords at the time, it was a major offence to take part in a duel — and even more so when the duel was fought on grounds belonging to the royal family. Had he not fled to Italy, Cervantes would have, at the very least, had his hand chopped off. Ironically, after several years hiding from punishment, Cervantes returned to fight for Spain in the Battle of Lepanto, where he lost a hand to a debilitating sword injury.