The Rise of Knighthood: Origins and Social Dynamics in Early Medieval Europe
The emergence of knighthood in early medieval Europe coincided with the Muslim invasions of Spain and France in the 700s AD. To combat these threats, Charlemagne established heavy cavalry units, marking the beginning of organized armies and feudalism. Knights became critical defenders of the realm, adhering to the Code of Chivalry and serving the interests of the Church and society. The late 9th to 12th centuries saw the formal acknowledgment of knights as a distinct estate, embodying ideals of protection, loyalty, and military prowess amidst a backdrop of conflict and social change.
The Rise of Knighthood: Origins and Social Dynamics in Early Medieval Europe
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Origins of Knighthood • Muslim invasion of Spain and France in the early 700’s AD create the need for armies. • Charlemagne commissions heavy cavalry troops to fight against Saxons and Muslim forces in Spain. • This creation of armies and use of feudalism created military power that would support a strong central government such as a king.
Continued • Code of Chivalry and loyalty was tribal: Saxons, Goths, Lombards and Franks. • Die with your lord. • Strong influence on Knights proper.
3 Estates • Church – pray and care for the spiritual well-being of people. • Knights – Defend and protect the other two estates. • Peasants – work the land to provide food for everyone. • By the late 9th Century and into the 12th Century we read of writers referring to the warrior estate as “Knights.”
Defining Knighthood • The knights define their specific roles within the 3 estates. • Defend the church, support and protect women, widows, orphans and others like the sick and elderly. • Being a time of uncertainty and invasions by barbarians and Muslims, there was a need for protectors.
Social Affects on Knights • The development of Castles and courts created an environment for intellectual growth and study. • When Knights were not on campaign, they spent time in court. • Daily routines of physical training and study of literature and culture.
Military Technology’s Affect on Knights • By the mid 11th Century, Knights are now using stirrups and saddles, along with lances. • Saddles were modified to enables charges with a lance. • Young boys of good birth were sent to train in courts. This was expensive and time consuming. Mostly aristocratic families could do this. • Mail shirts were costly and work intensive. They were usually passed down from father to son.
