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 lord
2. His heavenly Lord (God)
3. His chosen lady
The Age of Chivalry
The 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 Chivalry
1.) 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 Chivalry
2.) IRON WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT
•Trebuchet
•Battle axes
* Flails
•Swords & knives
•Crossbow & arrows
The Age of Chivalry
3.) 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 Chivalry
4.) 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 Chivalry
5.) 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 Chivalry
6.) 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