The noble life of knights
The life of a page -
At the age of around seven or eight, a boy with aspirations to one day become a knight would start as a page.
The life of a squire -
Once a page reached the age of 15, they became a squire.
They fought for land rights - The main motivation for hiring knights was to protect the land of whichever given lordship.
Knights were passionate followers of Christ - Nearly everyone in Europe during the Middle Ages, be they nobles, knights, or peasants, were devout followers of Catholicis
What was chivalry, really? -
Most people know about the strict code of moral conduct that all knights lived by called chivalry.
Knights were also fashionistas - When not wearing their armor, knights were known to wear loud and brightly colored fabrics.
They were big drinkers -
This fact isn't unique just to the knights, but to everyone in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Knights didn't actually work very much - Despite (or because of) their high standing in society, the average knight saw very little action, and spent most of their days training and lounging.
Peculiar sleep schedules -
Similar to other cultures around the world, most medieval Europeans, knights included, didn't sleep the whole night through.
Songs of great deeds -
By the late Medieval period, knights were seen in a much more positive light than in the early days and were closely associated with chivalry and heroism.
Knightly piety -
During the time of the Crusades, the concept of knightly piety became central to the code of chivalry.
Melee tournaments -
Since so little fighting was done by knights, there would frequently be held melee tournaments to keep the warriors in shape.
The importance of horses - the horse was the most important tool at a knight's disposal, and being an accomplished rider was paramount to a successful career.
The Knights Templar -
At the start of the Crusades, a number of groups of knights formed to dedicate all of their power to what they saw as the righteous defense of Christianity.
The Knights Hospitaller - The Knights Hospitaller were also know for rescuing sick or injured pilgrims in or on their way to Jerusalem.
The Teutonic Knights -
An offshoot of the Knights Hospitaller, the Teutonic Knights were far more aggressive and power-hungry.
The grand masters -
The highest rank a knight could hope to attain was that of grand master.
William Marshall, the greatest knight in history - William Marshall, First Earl of Pembroke was one of the most famous and widely beloved knights in England.