Life in the Middle Ages: The Knight

Knights in the Middle Ages

• Knights used coats of arms, a practical device, to differentiate themselves during tournaments.
• The most lasting legacy of the Knights is the code of chivalry, a set of rules and conduct that emphasized honor, bravery, and service.

Tournaments and Wealth

• Participating in tournaments was a way for knights to become wealthy by capturing and ransoming nobles and gaining spoils of war.

Decline of Knights

• The primary reason for the decline of knights in the late 1400s was the rise of firearms and infantry, making armor less effective.

Code of Conduct

• The term used to describe the code of conduct followed by knights is chivalry, which emphasized honor, bravery, and service.

Armor and Protection

• The main reason for knights to wear armor was for protection during battles and tournaments.

Knights' Reputation

• During the Middle Ages, a knight was primarily known for their martial skills, bravery, and adherence to the code of chivalry.

Initial Emphasis of Chivalry

• The code of chivalry initially emphasized martial prowess, loyalty, and honor.

Knights and Lords

• The relationship between knights and lords was one of vassalage, where knights served lords in exchange for land and protection.

Role of Squires

• The role of squires was to assist and train with knights, performing tasks such as armor maintenance and horse care, in preparation for becoming knights themselves.

As you watch the video "Life in the Middle Ages: The Knight, answer the following questions.