Medieval Knights

Definition

• A knight is a fighter on horseback, often belonging to the nobility.
• Must own weapons and horse, and train for combat.

Formation of a Knight

• Recruitment: Knights are typically recruited from young nobles.
• Apprenticeship: Begins early, often placed with an experienced knight (godfather).

Stages of Development

1. At Age 7: Begins as a rascal, caring for horses and cleaning stables.
2. Page: Learns combat with wooden weapons, serves master, learns to read and write.
3. At Age 14: Becomes a squire, assists knight, practices fighting, and accompanies on tournaments and battlefields.
4. At Age 21: If brave and financially capable, can become a knight during the dubbing ceremony.

The Dubbing Ceremony

• The official ceremony for becoming a knight.
• Purification Ritual: Involves bathing, fasting, and praying in a chapel.
• Takes oath on the gospels; receives sword and golden spurs.
• The godfather taps shoulders with flat of sword (colée).
• Becomes a vassal to a lord.

The Knight's Oath

• Defend the weak, orphans, and widows.
• Live in purity and render justice.
• Protect the church and serve lord/king.

The Spirit of Chivalry

• Introduced by the church in the 11th century to curb violence.
• Truce of God: Prohibits war during specific periods.
• Knights must protect the weak and maintain order.
• Prohibited from harming clergy, laborers, merchants, pilgrims, churches, and animals.

Knight's Qualities

• Loyalty
• Honor
• Courage
• Generosity

Knight's Armament

• Expense: Must have sufficient funds for horse and weapons.
• Steed: War horse capable of carrying over 100 kg and possibly protected by armor.
• Weapons: Spear and long sword; techniques evolve throughout the Middle Ages.

Armor Evolution

• Hauberk: Metal mesh tunic for protection.
• Helmet and Shield: Provides protection and displays knight's coat of arms.

Early Knight's Equipment

• Hauberk: Coat of mail for body and head protection.
• Spear: Measures 3 meters; used for charges.
• Gambeson: Thick linen dress to soften blows.
• Metal Mesh Leggings & Spurs: Additional protective gear.

Appearance of Armor in the 15th Century

• Rich knights wear metal plate armor, weighing about 25 kg.
• Components include:
  • Helmet or helm
  • Shield bearing coat of arms
  • Gauntlet for hand protection
  • Sword (about 2 pounds)

Other Knight's Weapons

• Battle Axe: Close combat weapon.
• Mace: Handle and head for stunning adversaries; effective against armor.
• Flail: Destructive weapon with a chain and iron mass.

Lifestyle of a Knight

• Knights do not work or pay taxes, focusing on protection.
• Engage in tournaments and hunts for training and entertainment during peace.