While there is evidence for treaty-making, covenants and bonds in the name of friendship in the Old Testament and for ancient Greeks and Romans, and we have seen the bonds of swon brothers in the previous chapter, this chapter focuses on the development of more formal political alliances based on the language of friendship during the Medieval period that paved the way for their flourishing during the Renaissance and beyond. Friendship alliances and treaty agreements were used between monarchs, canons and viscounts and by the twelfth century had become an integral part of the political discourse and a diplomatic tool in Western Europe. Trade between Muslim states and more globally was also based on the language of friendship to convey trust and respect.