The Influence of Chivalry on Society
To understand the effects of chivalry, we must ask whether the violent spectacles and tournaments it promoted truly helped to […]
The Real Danger of Tournaments
In the tournaments of chivalry, the danger of combat was a central part of the spectacle. Knights risked life and
The “Pas d’Armes” and Its Dangers
Another popular practice in chivalry was the pas d’armes, or “passage of arms.” In these events, a group of knights
Chivalry and the Tournaments
To understand the influence of chivalry on society, it is important to examine its role in civilizing—or failing to civilize—the
The Limits of Chivalric Law
It is often said that the laws of chivalry were strict and severe. Knights were expected to follow codes of
The Reputation of Chivalry
Many writers and historians have praised chivalry as a wise institution that helped civilize and refine society. For a long
Chivalry and the Rise of Military Aristocracy
Over time, chivalry changed from an institution meant to protect the weak into a system that often oppressed ordinary people.
The Dark Side of Chivalry
While chivalry is often remembered for its bright displays of armor, tournaments, and noble deeds, its darker aspects cannot be
Chivalry and Religion
In many histories of chivalry, the role of knights as defenders of the Christian religion is praised as one of
The Early Purpose of Chivalry
The origin of chivalry, whether real or imagined, shows that its initial motives were noble. At the beginning, the institution