Abused Power
“These warriors were commanded by warlords and rewarded with land, or with license to plunder the villages where they did battle, looting, raping and burning as they went.”
Did knights follow their code of chivalry rules?
No,
This evidence shows how they would abuse the power they had over villages and civillians.
“Tournaments provided knights with valuable training opportunities to hone their martial skills, test their prowess in combat, and demonstrate their chivalric virtues such as courage, honor, and courtesy”
What are the key Virtues for knights?
This evidence shows that medieval tournaments reflect the code of chivalry by allowing knights to practice their key virtues
courage, honor, and courtesy
“Chivalry began in the 9th–10th centuries because knights were too violent and Europe needed rules to control them.”
What problem led to the creation of the code chivalry?
The code of chivalry helped bring peace to a violent time by teaching knights to follow rules and respect others. But it also made knights feel superior to common people, giving them too much power over those below them. While it aimed to stop chaos, it also supported a strict class system where knights controlled land and ordinary people had little freedom.
Knights were too violent and needed rules.
“Yet even when knights did follow a code of chivalry as they understood it, these ideas about honor and good behavior focused mostly on concern for the noble class that knights were part of, often at the expense of the poor.”
did knights include everyone when following the code of chivalry?
No,
This demonstrates how knights understood the code of chivalry, yet they chose to abuse this code, which controlled their power, and not extend it to the poor.
“Some tournaments were harmless and some rough. For the Tournament of Peace held at Windsor Park, England, in 1278, the sword blades were of whalebone and parchment, silvered; the helms of boiled leather; and the shields of light wood. At others, however, contestants were often killed or wounded. Blunted, or rebated, lance points came into use early, and by the 14th century a crown-shaped coronal head was often fitted in place of the point.”
How did tournament safety change over time?
This evidence shows that the tournaments were supposed to be safe but it still led to people getting injured and some even dying.
They used more blunted objects to make the tournaments less deadly?
“The code included bravery, loyalty, honor, and respect for women and the weak. Knights promised to follow it but often failed.”
What were knights expected to show under the code of chivalry?
The code’s values like bravery, loyalty, and honor helped shape a moral standard for knights. However, it could also be harmful because it pressured knights to always fight bravely, even when it led to death or pointless violence.
Bravery, Loyalty, Honor, and Respect.
“The chivalric code, which emphasized honor, nobility, and loyalty, often conflicted with the realities of warfare. For example, knights were expected to fight with honor and fairness, but in practice, many resorted to underhanded tactics such as ambushes, traps, and surprise attacks.”
Did knights abuse their code of chivalry to obtain power?
Yes,
This evidence shows how many knights would abuse this code of chivalry to defeat their enemy unfairly to gain power to their name.
“In summary, medieval tournaments, with their vibrant jousting and knightly competitions, played a crucial role in shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Middle Ages. From showcasing martial abilities to fostering community unity and celebrating chivalric values, these events encapsulated the spirit of knighthood.”
what did medieval represent in society?
this piece of evidence shows that medieval tournaments were important because they brought people together and displayed knight’s skills and bravery
They represented bravery, honor, and unity.
“During the Crusades, knights fought for God, but many were tempted by fame, power, and wealth.”
What did knights struggle with while fighting in the Crusades?
During the Crusades, the code of chivalry motivated knights to fight for God, but this also led to destruction. Many knights used religion as an excuse for violence, believing their actions were holy even when they caused suffering. This shows how the code could be harmful it mixed faith with warfare, making knights believe that killing in God’s name was honorable.
Choosing between faith and personal glory.
“Jousting was another very popular competition among knights during the Middle Ages. A joust was where two knights would charge each other and try to knock the other off their horse with a lance.”
Why was jousting such a popular event in the middle ages?
This evidence shows jousting was a big part of tournaments and it let knights show off their strength and skill.
It was exciting to watch and showed off who had the most skill and bravery.
“The code tested knights to control pride, greed, and anger. It asked for mercy in battle and purity in love.”
What human flaws did the code of chivalry try to control?
The code of chivalry told knights to control their pride, greed, and anger, which was meant to make them better people. But trying to live up to such a perfect standard caused guilt and failure when they couldn’t meet those ideals. Many knights broke the rules in private but still acted honorable in public, creating a fake image of morality that didn’t always match reality.
Pride, greed, and anger.