Their story has acquired a set of myths.
Time of medieval chivalry still dominates the minds of people. About how lived noble warriors, known only from historical Chronicles and romantic literature of the time. But over the past few centuries, the facts distorted, and the concept of chivalry grew with many myths. This review presents the 5 most popular misconceptions about medieval knights.
1. While in the armor, the knight could not get on the horse
Joust. Historical reconstruction. | Photo: all-anapa.ru.
Speaking of the middle Ages, people used to think that the knights, clad in armor, even navigate on their own could not, and if it fell, then to stand unassisted was not possible. In this statement there is a small part of the truth. Heavy armor, the knights wore only during tournaments to avoid injuries. But any other time, and especially in the battles on the battlefield, the armor of knights did not exceed 20 kg. If he was walking in a peaceful time in the streets of the cities, the helmet, gauntlets and Shin starred, the benefit was all to convenient anchorages.
2. Knights in armor – invincible
Portrait of Emperor Maximilian I. Peter Paul Rubens, circa 1618. | Photo: fineartamerica.com.
The myth of the invincibility of knights in armor more inspired by romantic literature. At the dawn of chivalry to kill a warrior it was really hard, it was deafening. But with the advent of crossbows, more powerful bows with armor-piercing arrows, no armor … not saved knights.
3. The knights neglected hygiene
Uniforms of the knights. | Photo: illustrators.ru.
Many people think that knights stank from the fact that because of the armor they often went under. In the middle Ages actually had a question of hygiene, so noble soldiers behaved in the same way as all. But this does not mean that they were all the same as going to the toilet. The armor was made so as to facilitate a natural physiological process.
Pants, in the modern sense, did not exist. Knights wore highway – high stockings, which were fastened at the waist. Later in the XV century appeared braget – fold-over flap front. And unpleasant smell from the soldiers is easy to explain: if you put on all the knight’s outfit and take up the sword, but to wave them at least half an hour, the smell of sweat, mixed with dirt, will not keep itself waiting long.
4. An army of thousands of knights
Knightly cavalry. | Photo: 1zoom.ru.
Another misconception about knights is their large number. In the XIII century in England and France, accounted for just less than 3,000 knights. Despite this small number, knightly cavalry, clad in armor, was a serious kind of troops. The infantry was made up of commoners, arrows provided cover, and the knights were the shock force.
Another important factor is the relative small number of knights was limited number of combat hardy horses, able to carry on his metal armor and rider in armour. Closer to the XIII century by the knights gained high social status, so in the winner’s circle were reluctant to admit anybody.
5. The knights went on feats alone
Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. | Photo: mkrf.ru.
In knight’s novels very popular is the story of the journey of a knight on feats alone. But this misconception is not consistent with reality. Every noble warrior had a so-called “spear” – a small group of squires, squires, archers, swordsmen. And since all of this “Suite” was no Royal blood, for the people could not be considered. It turns out that knight allegedly was traveling solo.
