The Age of Chivalry

The Age of Chivalry

What is CHIVALRY?

Complex set of ideals that demanded a knight bravely fight in defense & devotion of 3 things:

1. His earthly feudal lord2. His heavenly Lord (God)3. His chosen lady

The Age of ChivalryThe Code of Chivalry knights pledged an oath to uphold:

• To fear God and maintain His Church• To serve the lord in valor and faith• To protect the weak and defenseless

• To give succour (assistance) to widows and orphans• To refrain from the wanton giving of offence• To live by honor and for glory• To despise pecuniary (monetary) reward• To fight for the welfare of all• To obey those placed in authority• To guard the honor of fellow knights

• To eschew (abstain from) unfairness, meanness and deceit• To keep faith

• At all times to speak the truth• To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun• To respect the honor of women• Never to refuse a challenge from an equal• Never to turn the back upon a foe (enemy)

The Age of Chivalry1.) EDUCATION

Page: (Age 6) Nobleman's sons - A boy training for knighthood learned how to fight, use weapons, and ride a horse into battle. He learned manners & waited on his hosts.

Squire: (Age 14-15) A squire assisted his knight, acted as his servant, and continued to perfect his fighting skills.

Around the age 18 a squire Possibly became a full-fledged knight,

The Age of Chivalry2.) IRON WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT

•Trebuchet •Battle axes * Flails

•Swords & knives•Crossbow & arrows

The Age of Chivalry3.) WAR GAMES After being dubbed a knight, most young men traveled for a year or two – WHY?

•Gained experience fighting in local “wars”•Took part in MOCK battles called tournaments•Tournaments combined recreation with combat training

The Age of Chivalry4.) CODE OF CHIVALRY

Complex set of ideals that demanded a knight bravely fight in defense & devotion of 3 things:

• His earthly feudal lord• His heavenly Lord (God)• His chosen lady

The Age of Chivalry5.) CASTLE LIFE England France Ireland

•Stone castles dominated much of the countryside in W. Europe

•Lord & lady, their family, knights & other men-at-arms, and servants lived in each castle together.

The Age of Chivalry6.) ROMANTIC LOVE

•Most influential factor in pairing a couple was money, land, or social status.

•Knights chose their ladies based on beauty and status

•Men's wives were chosen for the woman's dowry and status

Knights & Their Armor

Even the Horse