Knights 2
Knights 2Knighthood began in the 9th century. As a request of the fall of Charlemagnes Empire in Western Europe a new way of life began. Little kingdoms replaced the old Empire that were held together by kings or lords. Because of continuous attacks by invading Moors and Vikings , the greatest need in these new settlements was for protection and security. Therefore , a new form of civil government arose. Which was called feudalism based on mutual agreement between the kings and lords , and their knights or servants. The kings or lord gave land to his knight in exchange for the knights loyalty , service , and military protection.
Boys from wealthy families were expected to become a knight. At five or six they had pretend battles with wooden swords. They were also sent to churches to learn the ways of the church. Often the lord or Duke who was looking after the page became very close and did things together. The page had to learn to wait on the Duke or lord with very good manners. Their guardian often told stories or songs about famous knights. When the page reached teenhood , he became a squire. He helped with the horses , armor and learned how to fight. Squires also learned to joust and had to hold a lance which was three meters of heavy metal. Not all squires became knights. Some just stayed squires who were known has a gentleman who owned land. A rich squire could become a knight at sixteen , but if he was poor he had to wait until he was twenty. When the time came to become a knight , a squire would spend all night in a church praying. Afterwards , he took a bath that was very rare in those days and put on new clothes . When it was time , the lord or Duke who had trained the squire "dubbed ", ( hard on the shoulder with a sword. ) him a knight. After the ceremony there was much feasting and dancing.
Young knights wanted to do tournaments. So they had mock battles in tournaments which soon became popular in the year 1100. It first originated in France . Soon other countries had their own tournaments and teams. The lords had messengers spread the news and gathered their knights together to join the other lords and friends. This mock battle took place on a large , flat countryside which lasted several days. There were two sides and few rules. If an opponent was captured he was not killed but accidents did happen. Opponents that were...
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