Medieval Knight

Summary

The history of medieval knights traces their origins back to Charlemagne in the 8th century, where they were mounted soldiers granted land in exchange for service. By the 11th century, knights had become a prestigious warrior class, especially during the Crusades. The path to knighthood involved rigorous training, chivalric codes, and ceremonial rituals. Knights were skilled in combat, wore expensive armor, and participated in tournaments. However, the rise of firearms and standing armies in the 15th century led to the decline of the knight's role in warfare.

Takeaways

• 😀 Knights originated in the 8th century under Charlemagne, who granted land in exchange for military service.
• 😀 By the 11th century, knights had become a prestigious warrior class, playing key roles in the Crusades.
• 😀 The path to knighthood began at age 7 with training as a page, followed by a squire at 14, and full knighthood at 21.
• 😀 The chivalric code, followed by knights, emphasized virtues like protecting the weak, honoring women, and defending the Church and King.
• 😀 Knights were expected to treat fellow knights with respect, offering fair treatment and ransom to those who surrendered.
• 😀 Early knight armor was made of chainmail, later evolving into plate armor for better protection, though it was heavy and reduced mobility.
• 😀 The stirrup revolutionized mounted combat, allowing knights to charge effectively in battle.
• 😀 Knights used a variety of weapons such as swords, lances, maces, and war hammers to engage in close combat.
• 😀 Tournaments, including jousting, were held to hone knights' combat skills and provide opportunities for fame and fortune.
• 😀 Siege warfare became common by the 14th century due to the development of fortified castles and towns.
• 😀 The rise of new military technologies, such as crossbows, firearms, and standing armies, led to the decline of knights' traditional role by the end of the 15th century.

Q & A

What was the original role of knights during the time of Charlemagne?

Knights originated from Charlemagne's 8th-century rule, where soldiers mounted on horseback were required to fight across his vast empire. In exchange for their service, they were awarded land, known as benefices.

How did the concept of knights spread across Europe?

By the 11th century, the practice of knights swore loyalty to the king in exchange for land and property, known as fiefs, spread across Europe, establishing knights as a prestigious warrior class.

What role did knights play during the Crusades?

During the Crusades, knights were instrumental in defending the Christian faith and Church, as they fought against Muslim control of the Holy Land, which further solidified their purpose and role.

What is the process of becoming a knight in the medieval period?

The path to knighthood started at age 7, when a boy of nobility became a page in a castle. At age 14, he became a squire, training in combat, horsemanship, and other knightly skills. At 21, he could be knighted in a ceremony called the accolade.

What were some of the key principles of the chivalric code?

The chivalric code emphasized principles like protecting the weak and poor, honoring women, showing bravery, never lying, and defending the Church and King. It also ensured respect among fellow knights.

How did knights handle prisoners during warfare?

Knights followed a code of conduct in which opposing knights who surrendered could expect to be treated well and ransomed, ensuring mutual respect between knights.

What kinds of elite military orders did some knights join?

Some knights joined elite religious military orders, such as the Templars, Hospitallers, and Teutonic Knights, while others, motivated by wealth, became mercenaries.

What advancements in weaponry and armor did knights use in battle?

Knights used a variety of close combat weapons, including swords, lances, maces, axes, and war hammers. Armor evolved from chainmail to full plate armor, providing increased protection but limiting mobility.

How did knights keep their combat skills sharp when not in war?

When there were no wars to fight, knights participated in tournaments, which were mock battles and jousting events where they could hone their combat skills, gain fame, and win fortunes.

What role did knights play in sieges during warfare?

Knights were involved in siege warfare, often frustrated by the defensive nature of fortified towns and castles. After a siege, knights would sometimes pillage and slaughter the enemy population, profiting from looting.