The Knights Tournament Research Paper

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The lords and vassals in medieval times also played a large role in the economy. A tournament was an event held between knights and was a favorite pastime of the lord. A tournament was combat between knights to determine skill and ability. The first day of the tournament was dedicated to jousting. Jousting was when two knights on horses charged towards each other, each with a pole ten feet in length. The first one to knock their opponent off their horse was declared the winner. The second day one the tournament was dedicated to make-believe combat between companies of knights (King 31). This tournament gave nobles the opportunity to show their strengths and prove how strong their knights were. Tournaments were held for entertainment but still …show more content…

Knights had many needs when they were off fighting. To support the soldiers during their time training and at war, serfs worked on their land to produce foods and other goods (Smith, Andrew 1-2). This group was made by grouping farmers who could support and equip a fighter or knight. This was essential to creating a military because the knights needed food and couldn't farm for themselves when fighting. So the serfs produced a surplus, or more than enough of a specific supply than needed for a family, and gave that to the knights in exchange for protection. Serfs needed to provide for the knights in order to be protected by them if the time came. The knight gave his military service in exchange for support. Knights depended on the economy of serfs in order to survive. If the serfs didn't produce enough surplus for the knights, the knights couldn't survive. Knowing the need for these resources, knights worked hard when fighting and training in order to protect the peasants on their land. The knight was paid a ‘fee’ for his service. In other words, the knight was given supplies in exchange for his work (Lenehan 1). The knights needed to be supported while they were off fighting, and serfs were essential to

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