Famous Knights

Famous Medieval Knights History

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”.

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However, unlike famous knights of medieval times, the names of ancient Roman knights are not recorded in our history.

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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.

Famous Medieval Knights – Early Medieval Period

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.

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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.

Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar El Cid

Famous Knights – Late Medieval Period

During the high and late medieval periods, the Christian West came in contact with the Muslim East through the Crusades.

Knights Templar Code of Conduct Latin Rule Templar Flag 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!

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Richard, I *Richard The Lionheart

Famous Medieval Knights

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.

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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.

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Most Famous Knight of Medieval Times

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.

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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.

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Medieval King Edward III was also known as the Black Prince

Summary of Medieval Knights

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.

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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.

Code of Chivalry
The Cody of Chivalry Rules for Medieval Conduct of a Medieval Knight
Godfrey of Bouillon

Godfrey of Bouillon 1060 – 1100

Godfrey of Bouillon was a French nobleman and one of the most eminent leaders of the First Crusade launched in the 11th century to liberate Jerusalem. He was originally a

Richard the Lionheart 1189 – 1199

Richard the Lionheart was the King of England from 1189 to 1199. He also remained the ruler of different continental territories of England before his ascension to the English throne.

Medieval Germany Flag of the Teutonic Order

Teutonic Knights

The Order of the Teutonic Knights was originally established in the 12th century. It was based in the important city of Acre which was of strategic importance during the Crusades

Knights Templar

The Knights Templar was a military order based in Jerusalem after the city came into Christian control following the First Crusade in the 11th century. The order was primarily established

William-Marshal-Medieval-Knight

William Marshal 1146 -1219

William Marshal was a soldier who rose to immense prestige and prominence during the reign of English kings Henry II, Richard I and King John. He was initially a mere

King Arthur

King Arthur – Legendary Bretons King

King Arthur was a legendary king of the Bretons at the time when Anglo-Saxons were expanding their power in Britain. Although Arthur is mentioned in a number of historical accounts,

Joan of Arc 1412 – 1431

Joan of Arc also known as “Joan the Maiden” or the “The Maid of Orléans” is considered a heroine of France for her leading role in the Lancastrian phase of

Alexander Nevsky

Alexander Nevsky 1221–1263

lexander Nevsky was one of the most powerful and influential political figures in 13th century Russia. At the time, Russia was ravaged by the Golden Horde on one side, being

The White Knight Sir Lancelot

White Knight is a title that the famed Arthurian knight, Sir Lancelot, used until he discovered his actual name. According to legends, he was one of the most important knights

List of the Knights of the Round Table

Knights of Round Table

Knights of Round Table No actual historical sources provide any details about King Arthur and his knights of the round table. However, there are many legends and stories in Britain

The Green Knight

The Green Knight

The Green Knight is a famous legendary character that is found in the medieval poems about King Arthur, in particular, the poems Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and “The