#Historical chivalry code code#
Chivalry was an informal code practiced among historical knights, with some codes specifically tied to certain knightly orders. But in the medieval period, chivalry was a complex code of behavior that governed virtually every aspect of life. Our modern notion of knights is very much based in the ideas of chivalry, and it is the survival of medieval romantic writings that tend to show knights as the chivalrous ideal, that sways our view of medieval knighthood. Historically, the code of chivalry is a code of conduct followed by knights. Today, the term 'chivalry' has come to refer to small acts of kindness typically performed by a man toward a woman, such as opening a car door or offering up ones coat on a chilly evening. The knights were encouraged to respect their leaders, be faithful to God and defend holy ideals like honor, justice and truthfulness. However well intended this “chivalric code” was, it rarely affected most knights, who plundered, slaughtered, and looted often when given the chance. The code of Chivalry was first written as a response to the disorderly conduct and lack of discipline in the Christian armies during the Crusades. I’ve been able over the years to delve into chivalric literature and the evolution of nobility, and what I’ve uncovered from the tomes of history I share now with you, men and women of all ages, in this simple guide a chivalric code drawn from the ancient text that over the centuries gave birth to the ideal of a Christian chivalry. This same code of conduct did not apply to non-knights (archers, peasants, foot-soldiers, etc.), who were often slaughtered after capture. Chivalry was simply the art of cavalry warfare which the knight was required to learn.However, it changed through the course of time especially when Christianity proliferated over Europe (KnightsAndArmor.
In combat when nobles and knights were taken prisoner, their lives were spared and were often held for ransom in somewhat comfortable surroundings. Chivalry is the European Knight’s code of ethics or discipline upon which they would follow. The protection of the poor, women and children, and defense of the church were just some of the chivalry codes that a knight was supposed to always obey. By bestowing the title of Christian warriors to the knights, the pope had begun the evolution of a code of conduct that all knights were supposed to follow. With the crusades as a “holy war” the pope needed the support of the nobles and knights of Europe to help him with his agenda of ridding Jerusalem of Islam, and returning the “land of Christ” to Christian sovereignty. During these times, it took a great deal of cunning and self preservation measures to survive a world of shifting loyalties. Duty and honor were foremost among the personality traits that were valued and admired. It was around the time of the preaching of the first crusade (1095 C.E.) that the Christianization of knights began in earnest. Chivalry generally refers to a code of ethics adhered to by knights during the Dark and Middle Ages in Europe. As the Middle Ages progressed, the term “chivalry” began to take on new meanings.
The ability to handle a horse, especially in combat, was of utmost importance to a medieval knight. The word, “chivalry”, comes from the French word, “chevalerie”, which means “skills to handle a horse”.
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