Knights in the Middle Ages

Medieval knighthood is an iconic aspect of medieval society. Knights are often associated with bravery, chivalry, and adventure. In this comprehensive piece, we delve deeper into medieval knighthood and explore the origins, the role, and the ideals of these noble warriors.

Medieval knighthood emerged in the 9th and 10th centuries as a response to the need for organized military power and protection in a time of political instability. Knights were originally heavily armed warriors on horseback, ideally distinguished by their courage, combat skills, and loyalty to a lord.

Knights were expected to follow a strict code of chivalry, known as 'chivalry'. This code included virtues such as honor, courage, loyalty, justice, courtesy, and chivalric love. Knights were encouraged to fight for justice, protect the weak, and honor women. In good Christian tradition. The chivalric ethics also emphasized loyalty to the church and the Christian faith.

Knighthood developed into a distinct social class within medieval society. Although not all knights were of noble birth, they were often regarded as the elite of society. Knighthood became hereditary and was acquired through royal favors or merits on the battlefield. They enjoyed privileges such as land ownership, the right to levy taxes, and participation in noble affairs.

Knights were trained in the use of various weapons and combat techniques, such as sword fighting, charging the enemy with a lance, and archery. They formed the core of medieval armies and played a crucial role in battles. Knights were often equipped with armour, sword, shield and helmet, and their deadly attacks on horseback made them feared opponents.

In addition to their military role, knights were also involved in tournaments, where they could showcase their skills and gain fame. Tournaments were spectacular events where knights in armor competed against each other with tournament weapons. These events, often accompanied by courtly declarations of love and poetry, inspired many medieval romances and legends.

In theory, women could also become knights. However, this only happened a few times. A noble family had obligations to fulfill towards their liege lord. The most prominent obligation was military service. Families did everything to meet these obligations. In the absence of male successors, some families were forced to have a woman fulfill these obligations. An example of a female knight was Petronilla de Grandmesnil from 12th century England. In the 14th century, women were even allowed to participate in knightly orders. This indicates that whether sporadic or not, it regularly happened that women became knights. Note, the 14th-century Jeanne d'Arc is not an example of this. 

The appearance of the knight changed over the centuries. But the attack technique and the type weapons remained the same. In the 11th century, knights primarily wore long chainmail coats and gambesons. Spangen helmets and nasal helmets. The knight fought on horseback and charged at the enemy at full gallop with a directed spear or lance. The impact of this is 1hp in the form of a sharp tip charging at the enemy at about 32 km per hour. 

Important status symbols for the knight were the sword and the spurs (with which they spurred their horse). Over the centuries, the spear evolved into a technologically advanced lance. 

From the 13th century, knees and elbows, and later shoulders, were increasingly equipped with plate armor parts. This evolved into plate armor harnesses by the late 14th century, and by the late 15th century, chainmail components had almost entirely fallen out of use. 

The sword also evolved from an original model designed for cutting, like the Oakeshott type X, to hand-and-a-half swords in the 15th century that were specially developed for both cutting and thrusting. Thrusting became increasingly important to strike opponents between the gaps in their plate armor. 

Knights also wore shields. Over the centuries, these became shorter, which significantly contributed to the knight's agility. 

The helmets evolved from nasal helmets (a helmet bowl and nasal) to a more extensive nasal (visor) to basket-shaped helmets, to great helms. After the maximum head protection was reached, people began to be annoyed by the poor field of vision. Therefore, the bascinet and the sallet developed from the 14th century onwards. 

The development of armor and weapons did not only occur on the battlefield. Tournaments were indispensable when it came to armor innovation. Thus, knightly tournaments can be seen as F1 racing is for the automotive industry. 

Another characteristic symbol of the knight is his horse. The knight did not use his warhorse all day. Instead, several different horse breeds were popular among knights. This was also a matter of money. But warhorses were spared for the war work. Just like tanks and tracked vehicles are transported on trailers to the battlefield. Warhorses were not burdened or ridden until necessary. 

The destrier was a heavy warhorse specially bred for combat. They were large, strong, and powerful, intended to carry the knight with his heavy armour. Destriers were suitable for charges and carrying heavy weapons.

Coursers were lighter horses known for their speed and agility. They were often used for rapid reconnaissance, courier services, and in tournaments.

The palfrey was a horse known for its comfortable gait and was popular among knights for travel and long-distance rides. They had a calm temperament and were comfortable to ride.

Rounceys were medium-sized horses used as general riding horses by knights. They were versatile and could be used for various tasks such as traveling, hunting, and patrolling.

In the Middle Ages, orders of knighthood were prestigious and exclusive communities of knights and nobles united under a common goal, such as religious service, chivalric values, or military defense. These orders emerged in various parts of Europe and played an important role in medieval society. 

Founded in 1119, the Order of the Templars was a military order of knights originally established to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land during the Crusades. They became known for their financial and military power but were eventually disbanded in the 14th century.

Also known as the Knights Hospitaller or the Order of Malta, this order of knights was founded in the 11th century as a religious and military organization aimed at providing medical care and protecting pilgrims. They were active in the Mediterranean region and continue to exist today as a humanitarian organization.

Founded in 1430 by Duke Philip the Good of Burgundy, this was a prestigious order of knights aimed at promoting chivalric values and the glory of the duchy. The order was limited to a select group of nobles and princes and was considered a mark of extraordinary honor.

Founded in 1348 by King Edward III of England, the Order of the Garter is one of the oldest orders of knighthood still in existence. It was intended as an order of knights for the highest nobility and focused on chivalry and service to the English crown.

This German knightly order was founded in 1190 as a military order with the aim of converting and defending the pagan Baltic region. They later became an important political power and played a role in the Crusades and the governance of Prussia.

This Spanish knightly order was founded in the 12th century and was dedicated to the protection of the Christian territories on the Iberian Peninsula during the Reconquista.

Founded in 1408 by King Sigismund of Hungary, this knightly order was focused on the defense of Christianity and the fight against the Ottoman Empire.

Founded in 1458 by King Christian I of Denmark, this is a Danish knightly order that exists to this day. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious knightly orders in Europe.

This knightly order was founded in 1430 by Duke Philip the Good of Burgundy with the aim of promoting chivalric values and the glory of the duchy.

During the Hundred Years' War between England and France, robber knights emerged as nobles engaging in violent and illegal practices. They took advantage of the political and military chaos to plunder, extort, and collect ransom. Robber knights operated in remote areas, attacked travelers and villages, and used surprise attacks and arson. They caused fear and insecurity, disrupted trade and economic activities, and destabilized the region. The ruling powers attempted to suppress them, but the problem was only addressed later with the establishment of stronger administrations and security measures. Robber knights illustrate the complexity and also the powerlessness of that time and the impact of warfare on the population.

In the Middle Ages, some knights were guilty of various abuses. They exploited the peasants and lower classes by imposing unreasonable burdens and oppressing them. Additionally, some knights used their military skills to commit acts of violence and cruelty, such as robbery, looting, and mistreatment of the defenseless population. They also abused their position in relation to women, demanding dowries and exerting influence on marriage choices, sometimes resulting in forced marriages, unjust treatment, and sexual abuse. These abuses were characteristic of certain knights, but it is important to note that not all knights were guilty of them.

During the late Middle Ages, knighthood began to evolve. In the 15th century, more professional armies emerged in the military domain and officials in the political domain. This reduced the dominance of the knights. Moreover, social and political changes led the nobility to focus more on acquiring political power and economic interests.

Knights played a central role in many different wars. Here is an overview of wars in which knights were central. 

Knights, under the leadership of William the Conqueror, played a crucial role in the Norman conquest of England. The Battle of Hastings in 1066 is a well-known example of the deployment of knights.

Knights played a crucial role in the series of military campaigns known as the Crusades. They fought against Muslim armies in the Holy Land to protect Christianity and restore control over important holy sites.

Knights were involved in the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from the Islamic Moorish rulers. They fought in legendary battles such as the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa and the Battle of Granada.

Knights were involved in the reconquest of Portugal from Moorish domination. They fought bravely in battles such as the Battle of Ourique and the Battle of Aljubarrota.

Knights were involved in the conquest of Sicily from Islamic rulers by Norman and Southern Italian forces. Knights like Roger I of Sicily played a significant role in these campaigns.

Knights were involved in the armed conflicts in the Baltic region, where they fought against pagan tribes and promoted the spread of Christianity.

Knights from various European countries, such as Hungary and Poland, played a role in defending against the Mongol invasions. They were known for their courage and skill on horseback in confrontations with Mongol riders.

Knights, such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, played a significant role in the fight for Scottish independence against English domination. The Battle of Bannockburn is a well-known example of a victory thanks to the Scottish knights.

Knights were prominently present in this prolonged war between England and France. They fought in major battles such as Crécy, Poitiers, and Agincourt, where they demonstrated their martial arts and strategic skills.

Knights were involved in the wars and conflicts between the Italian city-states, as well as the invasions by foreign powers such as France and Spain. They fought as mercenaries for various rulers and princes.

This civil war in England was characterized by conflicts between rival noble houses. Knights played a crucial role on both sides, fighting in battles such as the Battle of Bosworth.

Knights were involved in the religious conflicts in Bohemia (present-day Czech Republic) between the Catholic Church and the Hussite movement. The Hussites, led by Jan Hus and later Jan Žižka, were notorious for their tactics and effective combat with war wagons.

Knights from Western Europe, such as the Knights Hospitaller and the Order of Saint John, fought alongside the Byzantine Empire against the rising Ottoman Turks. The Battle of Nicopolis and the Battle of Varna are examples of battles in which knights played a role.