Knighthood

1. Knighthood Today we will be learning about military and governmental aspects of the Middle Ages.

2. Where did knights come from? • Before 1100’s • *Knight in Old English = “household retainer” • Originally knights were warriors on horseback • Anyone w/courage could be a knight • *Post 1100’s • Cost of armor & horses increased • Only wealthy men were knights

3. Steps to becoming a knight • *Page: • Age 7, boys learned to fight, use weapons, ride a horse, & manners • *Squire: • Age 15, assigned to a knight, assisted the knight, & continued to learn

4. Steps to becoming a knight • *Knight: • Once a squire proved himself in battle, he b/c a knight • *Code of Chivalry: • Brave in battle • Keep their promises • Defend the church • Courteous to women

5. Chivalry • Code was too difficult to uphold • *When a knight failed to up hold code, he was held in public disgrace • Upside down shield • Body smeared w/paint • Armor cut off piece by piece

6. Chivalry • “Fallen Knight” • Could be laid in a coffin (alive) • Dragged to church • Priest performs funeral • “Dead to honor”

7. Armor • *In Battle • Knights usually wore metallic armor from Milan, Italy • Helmet • Breastplate • Arm and elbow pieces • Gauntlet • Leg and knee pieces • Chain mail jacket

8. Chain Mail

9. Armor • Knights might be wounded but rarely killed in battle. • *Knights also armored their horses • *Horseless knight = defenseless knight, b/c heavy armor limited mobility

10. Coat of Arms • Knights were identified by heraldry. • *A family’s heraldry was represented by a coat of arms. • Knights carried flags & shields depicting their coat of arms.

11. Coat of Arms • Families couldn’t have the same heraldry. • Artists used animals and other symbols to illustrate strength.

12. Who’s is this??