Middle Ages - 500a.d to 1500a.d.
After Romans left there was no real law or government system.
System of government was based on Feudal System.
Robbery and plundering was common place.
Lord - Person who owned a good piece of land.
He would lead, and protect, the laws and order of that area.
People would swear loyalty to him, in public.
Vassel – He received land (Fief) form the land lord.
From small farm holders to large estates.
Would swear Oath of Fealty to the Lord.
Would fight for the lord of the area, and only him.
The Vassal was a knight of the Lords army.
Knights fought on horseback and had good armor.
Knighthood – Age 7 boys sent to castle to work as a Page.
Pages would serve food, carry messages and learn lessons.
Train to have manners and role of a knight (Chivalry)
Age 14 the Page became a Squire.
Squires would train in horsemanship.
Learnt about the various weapons.
Being Knighted – Squire spent all the night before fasting and in prayer.
In the morning Confessions and Mass.
The Dubbing – White for purity – Tunic.
Red for blood shed - Robe.
Black for no fear of death - Doublet or Jacket.
Also wore full body armour
Special ceremony called The Dubbing.
Finished with “Arise sir…”
Day was marked with large celebration and feasting.
Jousting – Mock battles to show off skills of the Knights
Held on special fields called Lists.
There were prizes for best performer.
They also won the favor of the Ladies.
They were a great source of entertainment for everyone