The Toriatal was an ancient Vulcan challenge which was before the peaceful teachings of Surak engulfed Vulcan. In the old days when the Toriatal was used, two warring Vulcan nations that fought over a land that was already devastated by conflict, would choose champions to represent them in battle. These warriors met in single physical combat to the death with the victor gaining the land and the loser forced to abandon their find. The rite was so old that it was known to both the Vulcan and Romulan people. (TOS novel: Sarek)