First Knight appeared in Europe in the early Middle Ages.The very existence of this class has been inextricably linked with the feudal era - the time of the cult of power and hierarchical loyalty.In economic terms, this situation is justified by a special sort of feudal relations.In addition to these areas of Western martial class emerged in other cultures: the samurai in Japan, Sipahi Turkey, Cossacks of New time in Russia.However, already the first Knights fundamentally different from their brothers in arms in other civilizations.
history of chivalry
emergence of this class is closely related to the emergence of the feudal system of land relations.Presumably, his emergence began in early medieval Europe.Thus, the first knight of King Arthur is mentioned in the VI century AD.However, the actual flourishing class begins in IX-X centuries.Then, on the continent, a unique tradition for the entire planet.Senior leaders in this period is the first kings of the earth complained about the state his officers for military service.The latter, in turn, took the oath of allegiance to their overlord.Actually, «fe» in old-German and meant loyalty, and «od» - possession.Thus, the highest in the whole of the medieval state was in fact lord the king, and the early vassals were the first Knights.This structure had a ladder hierarchy: one suzerain vassal while he could grant land to other soldiers, becoming overlord for them.These first knights had as its main duty to protect the possessions of the lord may buy it from enemy captivity, participate in its military offensive campaigns and so on.Very soon the knighthood turns into a privileged class: their origin is confirmed by all sorts of certificates, allowing their condition to devote himself exclusively the case, forcing to work for their needs of the peasants.They have for centuries became the main strike force of any army, which could not withstand any peasant foot troops.
The appearance of medieval military elite
first Knights were not so, as they are often painted in modern mass culture.Fully clad in heavy armor soldiers came closer to the end of the Cold weapon - in the XIV-XV centuries.Even then, when the creation of the first firearms.Knights of the X-XI centuries were more reserved only chain mail armor and a steel helmet with an open face.Their main weapon at all times remained a sword.But the Knights never disdain and weapons such as an ax or a spear.Over time, skills and technologies developed blacksmiths, and together with them to improve and body protection.First it was the plate, appearing everywhere from the XIII century, presented Brigantine in western Europe.Especially this type of armor became popular in Russia in the form of scaly and lamellar (riveted to the leather-based) plates.And in the early modern period, when feudal relations were gradually dying, giving way to capitalism, knightly class survived his final surge: their armor reached an unprecedented perfection, they have become exactly as we represent them now - with solid-metal plates covering allthe human body and the head.In addition, and militarily it is class still had to tell the world - after all, not least their hands conquered the New World.Firearms evolved over time it became punching armor and military strategists have developed new era of building hiking troops with long Glaive and halberds are increasingly tipping the knightly order.All this accelerated the withdrawal from the stage of history as a significant military and social categories.
