Originally warriors mounted on horseback, knights became associated with
the concept of chivalry as it was popularized in medieval European
literature. Knights were expected to fight bravely and honorably and be
loyal to their lord until death if necessary. Later chivalry came to
encompass activities such as tournaments and hunting, and virtues
including justice, charity and faith. The Crusades were instrumental in
the development of the code of chivalry, and some crusading orders of
knighthood, such as the Knights Templar, have become legend.
Boys would begin their knightly training at the age of seven, learning
to hunt and studying academic studies before becoming assistants to
older knights, training in combat and learning how to care for a
knight's essentials: arms, armou\r, and horses. After fourteen years of
training, and when considered master of all the skills of knighthood, a
squire was eligible to be knighted.
In peacetime knights would take part in tournaments. Tournaments were a
major spectator sport, but also an important way for knights to practice
their skills - knights were often injured and sometimes killed in
melees.
Knights figured large in medieval warfare and literature. In the 15th
century knights became obsolete due to advances in warfare, but the
title of 'knight' has survived as an honorary title granted for services
to a monarch or country, and knights remain a strong concept in popular
culture.
This short history will cover the rise and decline of the medieval
knights, including the extensive training, specific arms and armou\r,
tournaments and the important concept of chivalry.
