MR. MORRISWORLD HISTORY

The Age of Chivalry

Key Terms Ch 13.3, pg 364

ChivalryTournamentTroubadour

Knights: Warriors on Horseback

Knights, people who rode on horses in battle, became valuable in combat during the time of Charles Martel

The Technology of Warfare Changes

Saddles and stirrups changed how battles were fought in Europe during the 700s Saddles were used to keep warriors seated firmly on a

moving horse Stirrups were used to brace riders so they would not

fall off of their horses in battleEventually, these mounted knights became

the most important part of any army

The Warrior’s Role in Feudal Society

By the 11th Century, Europe was a series of nobles who were searching for power Lords recruited knights to protect their territories Knights were rewarded with land

As knights gained land, they could devote themselves to warfare

Lords would pay for the equipment of war as well Knights chief responsibility was warfare and

preparation for war and lords required 40 days of combat per year Many hobbies revolved around war training

Knighthood and the Code of Chivalry

Knights were expected to display courage and loyalty on the battlefield Developed a complex set of ideas called chivalry that

required a knight to fight bravely for 3 people His earthly lord His heavenly Lord His lady

The perfect knights were loyal, brave, courteous, and protected those who were weak and poor

Many failed to meet all of these standards

A Knight’s Training

The sons of nobles began training for knighthood at age 7 Sent to another castle to serve as a page and hone

warrior skills At age 14, became a squire – servant to a knight By age 21, the squire became a knight Young knights traveled and fought in local wars and

tournaments

Brutal Reality of Warfare

By the 1100s, castles were defended by walls and tall towers Castles housed lords, their ladies, their families,

knights and soldiers, and servants Fortresses, built for defense Defenders used boiling water, oil, or lead on attackers Crossbows could fire arrows that would pierce armor

The Literature of Chivalry

Many stories made castle life seem much nicer than it actually was Glorified knighthood and chivalry Songs and poems about knights in love with their

ladies were also popular

Epic Poetry

Epic poems recalled deeds and adventures of heroes like King Arthur and Charlemagne Enjoyed by feudal lords and ladies The Song of Roland is one of the earliest and most

famous medieval epic poems French soldiers who died in battle under Charlemagne Roland and his soldiers battle a much larger force of

Muslims

Love Poems and Songs

Knights duties to ladies were as important to those of their lords under the code of chivalry Troubadours were traveling singers who sang love

songs Talked about love’s disappointments and joys

Women’s Role in Feudal Society

Most women in feudal society were powerless Seen as inferior to men

This was the view of the Church so many people accepted that view

Noblewomen

Noblewomen could inherit their husband’s estate Also had the ability to send knights into battle at the

request of her lord Military commander and warrior when husbands were

off to warMore often than not, noblewomen led limited

lives Little property ownership, land was passed to sons

Peasant Women

Women in lower classes led lives unchanged for hundreds of years Peasant women worked in the fields, in the home, had

children, and took care of families Young girls learned household skills form their

mothers at a young age Peasant females were poor and powerless