Origin of the Knighthood
The origins of knighthood are said to date back to ancient Rome, where there was a knightly class Ordo Equestris (an order of mounted nobles).
Knighthood became an established military guild in many European countries, and it had certain characteristics: a would-be knight would undertake strict military training from boyhood, including some time as an assistant (an esquire) to a knight with whom he rode to war. He would also have to prove himself worthy according to rules of chivalrous behaviour, such as 'faithfulness to his Saviour and his Sovereign', generosity, self-denial, bravery and skill at arms. Knights had to be disciplined and vowed to be loyal, generous, and "of noble bearing". They were to fear God and maintain His Church. Knights always kept their faith and never turned their back on a foe. A Chivalric knight was a Christian military soldier that waged battles to establish and maintain order; sometimes militarily, sometimes social religious or political. There were many hard won victories and also some losses, but contrary to what you may have heard, Chivalry is not dead. Credited: http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Honours/Knighthoods.aspx
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