Alexander Nevsky was one of the most famous and important knights in Russian history. Read more about the Alexander Nevsky 1221–1263 >>
Bertrand du Guesclin was a famous medieval knight who had superstar status in medieval France, however Bertrand du Guesclin was an unlikely hero Read more about the Bertrand du Guesclin 1320 – 1380 >>
Edward the Black Prince help the English armies to defeat the French in a number of important medieval knights, Edward was a fearsome and feared warrior Read more about the Edward the Black Prince 1330 – 1376 >>
Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar also named El Cid, this great Spanish military leader is one of Europe’s most Famous Knights. Read more about the El Cid – Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar 1043 -1099 >>
Godfrey of Bouillon was originally a Frankish Knight who played a very significant role in the First Crusade Read more about the Godfrey of Bouillon 1060 – 1100 >>
Jean Boucicaut was a famous French knight who was renowned for his chivalry, military skills and loyalty Read more about the Jean Boucicaut ‘Jean II Le Maingre’ 1366 – 1421 >>
Joan of Arc one of the most famous people and warriors in French History who had visions, Learn about the amazing history of Joan of Arc Read more about the Joan of Arc 1412 – 1431 >>
John Hawkwood was a legendary knight and one of the foremost mercenary leaders in 14th century Europe Read more about the John Hawkwood – Mercenary Soldier & Knight >>
King Arthur one of the most famous characters in medieval history, learn more about King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table Read more about the King Arthur – Legendary Bretons King >>
Knights of the Round Table were a group of knights that were from Arthurian legends, seated around the table as equals, next to King Arthur Read more about the Knights of Round Table >>
The Knights Templar were feared warriors who had no fear and fought to the death, they were sent in as shock troops to instil fear into the enemies troops. Read more about the Knights Templar >>
Richard The Lionheart was a legendary warrior, famous for his bravery and battles with Saladin Read more about the Richard the Lionheart 1189 – 1199 >>
Robert the Bruce was the most prominent Scottish figure of the First War of Scottish Independence... Read more about the Robert the Bruce ‘Robert I’ 1274 – 1329 >>
Henry Hotspur Percy's quick attacks on the Scottish borders earned him the nickname "Hotspur".. Read more about the Sir Henry Percy ‘Henry Hotspur’ 1364 – 1403 >>
The Teutonic Knights emerged in the 12th century, establishing a hospital for Christians who had been injured in the Crusades Read more about the Teutonic Knights >>
Black Knight refers to a character as well as a recurrent motif in Arthurian legends. As a character, the Black Knight refers to Sir Morien.. Read more about the The Black Knight ‘Morien’ ‘Moriaen’ >>
The green Knight was talked and written about in early medieval times. The green Knight is often associated with the legendary King Arthur...
Read more about the The Green Knight >>
The White Knight was the title used by King Arthur's renowned knight, Sir Lancelot. Lancelot was among the earliest Knights of the Round Table and was King's champion in many contests Read more about the The White Knight Sir Lancelot >>
William Marshal a formidable knight proved his knightly skills in tournaments and on the battlefield Read more about the William Marshal 1146 -1219 >>
William Wallace was was a central figure in the Wars of Independence against the English Read more about the William Wallace c.1270 – 1305 >>
The history of knighthood can be traced back to Roman times when the class of the knights was called “Ordo Equestris” which in English means “Order of Mounted Nobles”.
However, unlike famous knights of medieval times, the names of ancient Roman knights are not recorded in our history.
During the early medieval times, some form of knighthood existed among the Ostrogoths and Franks. However, it was during the middle and late medieval times when the knighthood became widespread and it was during this era that the names of many famous medieval knights emerged.
During the early medieval times, the Franks attacked wide tracts of territory in Europe and made impressive conquests. It was the Franks who gave rise to the idea of a knight mounted on a horse and the idea continued to be refined over the subsequent centuries.
Among the famous medieval knights of early medieval times, we can include El Cid who was a Castilian knight. His real name was Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar and he spent his life fighting against the Moors, who gave him the name of El Cid.
During the high and late medieval periods, the Christian West came in contact with the Muslim East through the Crusades.
It was during this time that various popular knight orders including Knights Templar, Knights Teutonic, and others were formed and many famous medieval knights left their mark on the collective memory of Europe.
Amongst the most famous medieval knights from the middle and late medieval times, we can name ‘Alexander Nevsky’ who was the prince of Novgorod, ‘Richard the Lionheart of England who led the Third Crusade, and others!
Richard, I *Richard The Lionheart
Among the most famous medieval knights, various were warriors which meant that they had spent most of their life either on the battlefield or in skirmishes against the enemies.
These warrior knights were different from the knights who hailed from nobility and did not regularly participate in the wars. Among these famous warrior knights of medieval times, we can include William Marshal, Godfrey of Bouillon, Jean Boucicaut, etc.
One of the most famous medieval knights was ‘King Arthur of England‘ who, however, is considered to be more of a mythological personality, considering the countless legends surrounding him.
‘Edward the Black Prince’ is also one of the most famous medieval knights, he was the Prince of Wales and was called Black Prince because of the black armor that he wore during battles.
Medieval King Edward III was also known as the Black Prince
Knighthood has its roots in the ancient world when the order of knights existed in Rome. However, the phenomenon of knighthood itself became common during the middle and late medieval times, particularly after the Crusades.
It was after this time that many devastating battles were fought throughout Europe and many famous medieval knights wrote new tales of bravery and chivalry.
The Cody of Chivalry Rules for Medieval Conduct of a Medieval Knight
