The life and achievements of medieval knights are covered with legends. In novels and historical films, warriors in armor perform numerous feats in the name of their lady of the heart or participate in bloody battles on the side of their master. What was the traditional life of a medieval knight?
Instructions
Step 1
Any knight aspired to live in his own castle. Not everyone could afford such a structure, because the construction of the castle required significant funds and opportunities. As a rule, castles were owned by those knights who were of noble birth or became rich in the service of their master. The less wealthy medieval warriors lived on modest estates in the hope of getting rich.
Step 2
Traditionally, castles were built in the most convenient places, the approaches to which were protected from sudden attacks of enemies by natural barriers and powerful walls. To enter the living quarters, one had to go through the gate and climb a steep stone staircase. The staircase leading to the castle was clever enough.
Step 3
Most often, the stairs in the locks were spiral and twisted upwards from left to right. The fact is that the castles were built taking into account a possible enemy attack. Climbing such a ladder and holding a sword in his right hand, the enemy found himself in an uncomfortable position for attack. Often stone steps alternated with wooden steps, removing which, it was possible to make insurmountable voids in the staircase.
Step 4
The main room of the knight's castle was the ceremonial hall. Feasts were held there and visiting actors performed. Twilight reigned in the hall, since the small windows were protected by metal bars. The window openings were covered with canvases made from a bull bubble. Glasses in the Middle Ages were too expensive; only the palaces of the richest lords, dukes and kings could boast of them.
Step 5
The premises of the knight's castle were lit with resin torches. They were stuck in special racks or rings located in the walls. Additional lighting was provided by a fireplace, in which large logs and whole pieces of wood burned. In the premises of the castle there was almost always a persistent smell of burning, soot and smoke.
Step 6
In peacetime, the life of the inhabitants of the knight's castle was rather monotonous, boring and secluded. The owner of the castle was engaged in hunting, practiced martial arts, watched how the servants kept the household, and at best received visiting travelers: wandering monks, minstrels, merchants. Only on the days of big celebrations, knightly tournaments or weddings, the castle was filled with numerous guests from all over the area. Such events were always expected with impatience and brought the knights no less pleasure than participation in wars.
