Chivalry

Definition

Chivalry refers to the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social codes of conduct. This concept emphasizes virtues such as bravery, honor, and respect for women, often associated with the ideals of knighthood during the feudal era. Chivalry played a significant role in shaping the behaviors and expectations of knights, particularly during the period of the Crusading Movement, where it influenced their motivations and actions in warfare.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chivalry emerged in the 12th century as knights began to adopt a code of conduct that combined martial prowess with virtues like loyalty, honor, and courtesy.
2. The ideals of chivalry were heavily influenced by the Christian faith, encouraging knights to protect the weak and uphold justice during conflicts such as the Crusades.
3. Chivalric codes included specific expectations regarding treatment of women and the importance of courtly love, which idealized noble romance.
4. Knights participating in the Crusades often viewed their campaigns as a form of pilgrimage, believing that their actions aligned with chivalric values by defending Christendom.
5. The decline of chivalry coincided with changes in warfare and society during the late medieval period, leading to more professional armies and a shift away from feudal loyalties.

Review Questions

• How did the principles of chivalry influence knightly behavior during the Crusades?
  • The principles of chivalry significantly influenced knightly behavior during the Crusades by promoting ideals such as bravery, honor, and loyalty. Knights were motivated not only by territorial gains but also by a sense of duty to protect Christendom and uphold moral standards. The chivalric code encouraged them to display valor on the battlefield while also adhering to rules regarding the treatment of captured enemies and civilians, thereby shaping their conduct throughout these religious wars.
• Discuss how chivalry served as both a social and military code for knights during the medieval period.
  • Chivalry served as both a social and military code for knights during the medieval period by establishing expectations for honorable behavior in both contexts. Socially, it dictated how knights should interact with others, particularly women, promoting values like respect and courtly love. Militarily, it guided knights in their conduct during warfare, emphasizing bravery in battle and loyalty to their lords. This dual role helped maintain a sense of order within feudal society while also legitimizing knightly participation in conflicts such as the Crusades.
• Evaluate the impact of chivalric ideals on the outcomes of the Crusades and their legacy in later European history.
  • Chivalric ideals had a notable impact on the outcomes of the Crusades by shaping how knights approached their campaigns and interacted with both allies and enemies. While these ideals inspired many to fight valiantly for religious causes, they also sometimes led to conflicts over honor that detracted from strategic objectives. The legacy of chivalry continued beyond the Crusades, influencing notions of knighthood and gentlemanly conduct in European society. As warfare evolved, however, these ideals began to fade in importance, marking a shift toward more pragmatic approaches to military engagement.

Related terms

Feudalism: A social and economic system prevalent in medieval Europe where land was held by nobles in exchange for military service, creating a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs.

Crusades: A series of religious wars sanctioned by the Latin Church during the medieval period, aimed at reclaiming Jerusalem and other holy lands from Muslim rule.

Knight: A mounted soldier in armor who served a lord in medieval Europe, often bound by the code of chivalry to uphold certain ideals of bravery and honor.