the technology of warfare changes charles martel got the idea for mounted knights from the muslim...
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Knights: Warriors on Horseback The Technology of
Warfare Changes Charles Martel got the
idea for mounted knights from the Muslim Moors he fought in Tours.
Leather saddle and stirrups enable knights to handle heavy weapons
Knights: Warriors on Horseback
The Warrior’s Role in Feudal Society By 1000s, western
Europe is a battleground of warring nobles
Feudal lords raise private armies of knights
Knights rewarded with land; provides income for needed weapons
Tried to capture enemy & hold knights ransom
So, You Want to be a Knight? One had to be “well-born” (Son of a
Noble)
So, You Want to be a Knight? A Knight’s Training
Age 7: Page – personal servant of the Lord Age 15: Squire – assistant to a Knight -- learn to handle: sword, lance, axe, bow &
arrow
So, You Want to be a Knight? A Knight’s Training
Age 7: Page – personal servant of the Lord Age 15: Squire – assistant to a Knight -- learn to handle: sword, lance, axe, bow &
arrow After you “prove yourself in battle” (around
age 21) you could become a knight
Knighthood Ceremony
Lord (or King) touches your shoulder 3 times with sword
and says, “I dub thee knight.”
Knights: Tournaments
A Knight’s Training Knights gain experience, show off, and make
money in tournaments -- competitions and mock battles
Knights: Tournament Events Melee:
Two groups of knights assembled in an open field
Both parties rode toward each other and fought anyone who came into range.
The aim of the melee was to capture an opposing knight and hold him for a ransom. A typical ransom included the cost of a suit of armor or a horse.
Knights: Tournament Events Quintain:
objective was to direct strokes at specified areas on a hanging post or shield.
practice their aim with a lance, sword or battle axe.
Code of Chivalry
The Code of Chivalry By 1100s knights obey a
code of chivalry—a set of ideals on how to act
They are:▪ to protect weak and
poor; ▪ serve feudal lord, God,
& chosen lady"Stitching the Standard" by Edmund Blair Leighton: the lady prepares for a knight to go to war
The Literature of Chivalry Epic Poetry
Epic poems recount a hero’s deeds and adventures
The Song of Roland is about Charlemagne’s knights fighting Muslims
And now there comes the Archbishop. He spurs his horse, goes up into a mountain,summons the French; and he preached them
a sermon:“Barons, my lords, [Charlemagne] left us in
this place.We know our duty: to die like good men for
our King. Fight to defend the holy Christian faith.”
The Literature of Chivalry Love Poems and
Songs Knights’ duties to
ladies are as important as those to their lords
Ideal, “chivalrous” love for one’s lord’s lady
Troubadours—traveling poet-musicians—write and sing short verses
Above and right: troubadours portrayed in illumined texts.
Replica battering ram at Château des Baux, France
Women’s Role in Feudal Society Status of Women
According to the Church and feudal society, women were inferior to men
Noblewomen Can inherit land, defend castle, send knights to war
on lord’s request Usually confined to activities of the home or
convent Peasant Women
Most labor in home and field, bear children, provide for family
Poor, powerless, do household tasks at young age