Duelists are individuals who engage in formal combat, typically to settle disputes or defend their honor. Historically, dueling often involved the use of weapons such as swords or pistols, and it was governed by a set of rules known as dueling codes. These codes dictated the conduct of the duel, including the choice of weapons, the location, and the manner in which the duel was fought. Dueling was particularly popular in the 17th to 19th centuries, especially among the aristocracy in Europe and America. Over time, societal attitudes shifted, leading to the decline of dueling as a practice. Today, it is largely viewed as a historical curiosity rather than a common means of conflict resolution.