The Medieval Knights

     Knights were medieval gentleman-soldiers, usually high-born, raised by a sovereign to privileged military status after training as a page and squire. 

    Originally, knights were attendants or specialized foot-soldiers, but the status of knights was elevated around 800 A.D.

How does one become a knight? 

    Kings or lords would raise a soldier to a knight by lightly striking (dubbing) the knight’s shoulder with the flat of his sword. The knight was given a sword, a pay raise and, frequently, a plot of land. Most knights were required to be at least 21 years old.

    Knights were considered elite soldiers in battles, wars and crusades, but when not in such situations, they usually acted as law enforcement officers of the local lord’s court or that of the queen.

How did medieval knights fight?

    Knights began fighting while riding large and powerful horses called warhorses. This radically changed how conflicts were waged at that time. Since these horses were expensive, only wealthier men could afford to become knights.

    Knights required attendants to handle the knight’s several horses, maintain and hand him his heavy weapons and shield, assist him in mounting and dismounting the horse and guard his prisoners. Squires assisted the knight in battle training and exercises, and often became knights themselves.

What did they look like?

    Knights typically wore better than average clothing, but wore chain mail, helmets and partial suits of armor only in battle. Swords, daggers and sometimes lances were the weapons of choice. Full suits of armor made of plate steel came into use around 1400. 

    Each knight had his own flag or banner that identified him on and off the battlefield, called a coat of arms. The pattern and colors on the flag were often repeated on his shield and on other items belonging to the knight. 

   The principles and customs of the medieval knight were categorized as chivalry. The word was taken from the French version of the Latin word for horse (cheval). (In France, knights are often called chevaliers.) Knights were known for their masterful skills with horses. A knight’s code of conduct included: mercy, humility, honor, sacrifice, faithfulness, courage, utmost graciousness and courtesy toward women.

Why were they important during the Medieval era? 

    Medieval knights were pampered and honored during their time in the Middle Ages. They were the society's most dreaded members. They were extremely essential during the Middle Ages. They were expected to fight in wars and conflicts for their lord because they had been taught to be the greatest and their warfare skills had been improved. They were in charge of winning , or even losing, all of the important battles of the Middle Ages. Their primary role is to defend their liege lord against attack by the other lords. And they must also defend their liege lord's realm in accordance with their lord's regulations.