Knights are often depicted in popular culture as chivalrous heroes in shining armor, rescuing damsels in distress. But what was life really like for these medieval warriors? Let’s explore 15 fascinating truths about knights in the Middle Ages.
1. Knights Were Mostly Nobles
During the Middle Ages, knighthood was considered a class of petty nobility. Knights were usually the younger sons of nobles or wealthy landowners who could afford the expensive equipment and training required to become a knight. This meant that knighthood was largely hereditary, with fathers passing down the title and lands to their sons.
2. Becoming a Knight Required Extensive Training
Boys would begin their training to become a knight at a young age, usually around seven years old. They would start as a page, learning basic combat skills and serving a higher-ranking knight. At age 14, they would become a squire, assisting a knight in battle and continuing their training until they were 21. This rigorous training ensured that knights were skilled warriors, well-versed in the art of combat.
3. Knights Followed a Code of Chivalry
By the Late Middle Ages, knights were expected to follow a code of chivalry that combined a warrior ethos, piety, and courtly manners. This code emphasized bravery, honor, loyalty, and respect for women. However, not all knights adhered strictly to these ideals, and some used their position for personal gain.
4. Knights Didn’t Always Wear Shining Armor
Contrary to popular belief, knights did not always wear the iconic shining plate armor. This type of armor only became common in the Late Middle Ages. Earlier knights wore chain mail or leather armor. The type of armor worn depended on the period, the knight’s wealth, and the type of combat they engaged in.
5. Knights Weren’t Just Soldiers
While knights were primarily trained for warfare, they also served various other roles in medieval society. They could be administrators, diplomats, or even poets and musicians. Some knights were renowned for their cultural achievements as much as their martial prowess.
6. The Crusades Were a Major Part of Knightly Life
Many knights participated in the Crusades, a series of religious wars fought between Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land. The most famous of these was the Knights Templar, a military order founded to protect Christian pilgrims. The Crusades had a significant impact on medieval society and helped shape the image of the knight as a religious warrior.
7. Knights Often Participated in Tournaments
Tournaments were a popular form of entertainment in the Middle Ages, where knights would compete in mock battles to showcase their skills. These events could be dangerous, with participants sometimes suffering serious injuries or even death. Tournaments also served as a way for knights to gain fame, wealth, and the favor of noble ladies.
8. Knighthood Could Be Earned or Bought
While most knights were born into noble families, it was possible for commoners to become knights through exceptional military service or by purchasing the title. However, this was relatively rare. Becoming a knight through merit was a long and difficult process, and purchasing the title required significant wealth.
9. Knights Were Not Always Loyal to Their Lords
Despite the emphasis on loyalty in the chivalric code, knights did not always remain faithful to their lords. They could switch allegiances based on political or personal interests. This led to frequent conflicts and power struggles within the feudal system.
10. Knights Were Often Illiterate
While some knights were educated and cultured, many were illiterate. This was not uncommon in medieval society, where education was primarily the domain of the clergy. However, some knights did value learning and patronized poets, musicians, and artists.
11. Knights Had Squires and Pages to Assist Them
Knights were assisted by squires, young men who were in training to become knights themselves. They would help the knight with tasks such as maintaining his armor and weapons, and caring for his horses. Pages, who were younger than squires, also served knights and helped with basic tasks.
12. Knights Were Not Always Respectful to Women
Despite the chivalric ideal of respecting women, knights did not always treat them well in practice. Rape and sexual violence by knights against women were not uncommon during wartime. Even in times of peace, some knights used their position to exploit and mistreat women.
13. Knights Were Often Heavily in Debt
The cost of maintaining the equipment and lifestyle of a knight was high, and many knights found themselves heavily in debt. Some resorted to looting or extortion to make ends meet. This financial burden contributed to the decline of knighthood in the Late Middle Ages.
14. Knights Could Be Stripped of Their Title
A knight who committed a serious crime or violated the code of chivalry could be stripped of his knighthood in a ceremony called “degradation.” This involved having his spurs cut off and his sword broken over his head. Losing one’s knighthood was a severe punishment that brought shame and disgrace to the individual and their family.
15. The Age of Knights Declined with the Introduction of Gunpowder
The introduction of gunpowder weapons in the Late Middle Ages, such as the cannon and musket, began to make the heavily armored knight obsolete on the battlefield. This, along with changes in warfare and society, led to the gradual decline of the knight as a military and social class. By the end of the Middle Ages, knights had largely been replaced by professional soldiers and standing armies.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
