KNIGHTHOOD The Warrior Class of Medieval Europe January 27, 2014

ESSENTIAL QUESTION What Role Did Knights Play in Europe during the Middle Ages?

Warm-up Activity Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the center On the left side, write down everything you know or think you know about knights On the right side, write down everything you know or think you know about modern soldiers Circle or star everything that is alike

KNIGHTS-WARRIORS IN SHINING ARMOR The Role of a Knight Most important member of feudal army Main occupation was fighting. While knights in peace could take on other roles, the main purpose of knighthood was to have a capable and effective warrior. Served his master-remember a knight was a vassal. Perhaps most importantly, knights were to defend Christianity against all attacks.

THE STAGES OF KNIGHTHOOD (HOW TO BECOME A KNIGHT) Page-(Age 7 on) Learned to ride a horse, learned manners, had religious instruction, and was trained in music and dance (taught by ladies of castle) Squire-(Age 12-13) Assisted knights, became lord’s devoted attendant, took care of armor and weapons and became skilled in their use, helped in tournaments Knight-(When Qualified) Usually knighted by the king, sometimes ceremony took place on battlefield-particularly after a brave act that saved someone’s life.

CODE OF CHIVALRY Honored set of rules sworn to by all knights Emphasis upon courage, loyalty, and devotion to duty Courtesy towards and defense of women Protection of the poor, the weak, and the needy

INTERESTING FACTS Heraldry Also known as a coat of arms, was used as identification on a knight’s shield during battle Honor Knights swore to and upheld the Code of Chivalry. This code of honor governed everything they did. Failure to uphold the Code of Chivalry meant public disgrace of the highest degree. Although punishments varied, the most serious violations could result in the knight being put alive in a coffin and taken to a church where a priest would perform a funeral. A knight without honor was considered dead. Tournaments Public gatherings of knights from several manors Knights competed in games and other events to show their strength and skill Many times tournaments served as a way for disputes to be settled without actual warfare.

Castles Essential Question: What important role did castles play in Medieval Society?

Castles Read “How Did Nobles Live” on pages Draw/Design your own castle, staying true to the ideas presented in the reading. Then, on the back copy these questions and leave space to answer each. Why were castles so important in Medieval European warfare? What are some of the main features of a castle? What is the difference between a castle and a ring fort? Why were castles able to be easily defended? What methods could be used to defeat a castle?