User:Brandonkell10/History project

Knights

Knight

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Knights were around during the late Middle Ages. They originated in eastern Europe and Great Britain. They were of the most valiant and strongest warriors of that day and age. Once granted his knighthood he would begin to do anything for his Monarch, King or Lord. Knights would fight for their Lord or King for their whole life, never changing. The had the most modern armor and weapons for the 13th century. Many popular knights have changed Europe and have made their mark on history as it is today.

Origin of Knighthood

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Knights ruled the Middle Ages on the battlefield. This picture shows a fully suited knight

James A. Corrick says "Knights were a product of the Middle Ages, which began about A.D. 500, and lasted until about 1500."[1] Knights emerged out of the violent era left by the Romans after their downfall. The Kings and Lords need protection for themselves, their land, and their families. [2].During the boom of Knighthood, kings could not pay their knights. This was why Feudalism was becoming popular in the 11th and 12th centuries. Feudalism was when the kings would give land plots to the knights in return for their hand in battle.[3]At 7 years old, boys would leave there homes to go train in the ways of the knight. They learned all there was to know about knights; the learned how to fight and ride horses, along with keeping his armor and weapons in good conditions. After his training had finished, he would be dubbed as a knight by a lord or older knight. Sometimes during a battle, when a squire had done and amazing deed of bravery, he was knighted in this fashion.[4] Knights served their Lords or Kings until till they died.This was a big part of Chivalry. Chivalry required a knight to brave and loyal to their Lord[5]. For example, a knight would not attack an unarmed knight or a knight with no armor.[6] They would fight their whole lives until death.

Outfit of a Knight

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Knights were set apart from all other warriors because of the way they dressed.[7] The knights were the most heavily armored men on foot.[8] The usually were made of iron or steel, which is a hardened form of iron. The metal used to make the armor and weapons was not cheap. Steel was more expensive than the iron because of the long process it took to make it. The high-temperature, lengthy process was barely in reach of the medieval times[9]. Complete suits of plate armor were used in the medieval times. [10] They would weigh about 50 pounds just for the outer plates. [11] They wore a sleeved tunic of linen or wool. This was to provide heat more than protection. Over this was a layer of interlocked metal ring, also made of steel or iron, called mail. If the iron plate was penetrated then the mail would usually stop the sword[12]

Famous Kings and Knights

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Many kings would be remembered in the Age of Chivalry. Four of the most famous were Henry III, Edward I, Edward II, and Edward III.[13] King Henry III of England was the first king to have universities and also contributed to the world by sending out Marco Polo. Edward I was known as the leopard, for being a fierce warrior and king. Edward II was the king of France the made a great revival in art and literature in Italy. [[Edward]III]] the third possibly had the most significant military victories with the Battle of Crécy and battle of Poitiers.

References

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  1. ^ Life of a Medieval Knight, James A. Corrick. Lucent Books Page 8
  2. ^ Life of a Medieval Knight, James A. Corrick. Lucent Books Page 9
  3. ^ Life of a Medieval Knight, James A. Corrick. Lucent Books Page 10
  4. ^ When Knights were Bold, Ean March Cappen. Houghton Mifflin Company. Page 14
  5. ^ World History, Elisabeth Ellis and Anthony Elser. Prentice Hall. Page 189
  6. ^ World History, Elisabeth Ellis and Anthony Elser. Prentice Hall. Page 189
  7. ^ Life of a Medieval Knight, James A. Corrick. Lucent Books Page 8
  8. ^ Life of a Medieval Knight, James A. Corrick. Lucent Books Page 8
  9. ^ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_armour
  10. ^ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_armour
  11. ^ http://preachan.tripod.com/knights.html
  12. ^ World Book World Book inc. Page 350
  13. ^ Chronicle of the Age of Chivalry Elizabeth Halman. Page 20-21