The Knight

1. The Knight

2. Origins of Knighthood • Muslim invasion of Spain and France in the early 700’s AD create the need for armies. • Charlemagne commissions heavy cavalry troops to fight against Saxons and Muslim forces in Spain. • This creation of armies and use of feudalism created military power that would support a strong central government such as a king.

4. Continued • Code of Chivalry and loyalty was tribal: Saxons, Goths, Lombards and Franks. • Die with your lord. • Strong influence on Knights proper.

6. 3 Estates • Church – pray and care for the spiritual well-being of people. • Knights – Defend and protect the other two estates. • Peasants – work the land to provide food for everyone. • By the late 9th Century and into the 12th Century we read of writers referring to the warrior estate as “Knights.”

7. Defining Knighthood • The knights define their specific roles within the 3 estates. • Defend the church, support and protect women, widows, orphans and others like the sick and elderly. • Being a time of uncertainty and invasions by barbarians and Muslims, there was a need for protectors.

8. Social Affects on Knights • The development of Castles and courts created an environment for intellectual growth and study. • When Knights were not on campaign, they spent time in court. • Daily routines of physical training and study of literature and culture.

10. Military Technology’s Affect on Knights • By the mid 11th Century, Knights are now using stirrups and saddles, along with lances. • Saddles were modified to enables charges with a lance. • Young boys of good birth were sent to train in courts. This was expensive and time consuming. Mostly aristocratic families could do this. • Mail shirts were costly and work intensive. They were usually passed down from father to son.