Chivalry. It is usually associated with ideals of knightly virtues, honor and courtly love.
Because they were the best warriors
Knights in medieval England were heavily armored soldiers who served as mounted warriors in feudal society. They were primarily responsible for military service to their lords, participating in battles, tournaments, and protecting the realm. In addition to their martial duties, knights were expected to uphold the chivalric code, which emphasized values like honor, loyalty, and bravery. They also often held land granted by their lords, which provided income and resources to support their military obligations.
A knight was a possible future lord and thus land owner and thus feudal lord.
In Norman England, knights were mounted warriors who played a crucial role in the feudal system established after the Norman Conquest of 1066. They were vassals to lords, serving in exchange for land and protection, and were bound by a code of chivalry that emphasized loyalty, bravery, and honor. Knights were essential for military service, helping to maintain control over territories and enforce the lord's authority. Over time, their role evolved to include administrative and social responsibilities within the feudal hierarchy.
Both European medieval knights and Japanese samurai warriors pledged oaths of loyalty to their respective lords or masters. This feudal loyalty was central to their roles, as knights served noble lords in exchange for land and protection, while samurai adhered to the Bushido code, which emphasized honor, duty, and allegiance to their daimyo. These oaths underscored their commitment to serve and protect their leaders, often at the cost of their own lives. The honor associated with these vows was crucial to both warrior cultures.
Samurai
French knights were commonly referred to as "chevaliers," which translates to "knights" in English. The term is derived from the French word "cheval," meaning horse, reflecting their role as mounted warriors in medieval society. Chevaliers were often part of the feudal system, serving lords in exchange for land and protection. They adhered to a code of chivalry, emphasizing virtues such as bravery, honor, and loyalty.
The Hundred Years War helped to end feudalism because the kings began to rely on hired soldiers instead of feudal knights. Knights fighting on behalf of the king had been an essential feature of the feudal system.
The term "knights and townsmen" typically refers to the social classes in medieval Europe, where knights were often members of the nobility and served as mounted warriors, while townsmen were the merchants, artisans, and residents of towns. This dynamic reflects the feudal system, where knights provided military service in exchange for land and protection, while townsmen contributed to the economy and urban development. In board games, such as "The Settlers of Catan," these roles can also represent different strategies and resources.
Yes, medieval Georgia had a class of warriors known as knights, often referred to as "aznauri." These knights played a significant role in the feudal system and military structure of the Kingdom of Georgia, especially during its height in the 11th to 13th centuries. They were typically landowners who served as vassals to the nobility and were involved in both local governance and military campaigns. Georgian knights were known for their distinctive armor and played a crucial role in defending the kingdom against invasions.
No, the feudal system was a medieval system.
The Feudal System which provided wealth and land to vassals, jobs for knights, and work for serfs.