| chivalry | tournaments | modesty | archery |
| jousts | avenge | obedience | sponsors |
When Pope Urban II called the council of Clermont, and so many men of all ranks stitched upon their shoulders the cross of red silk, the Age of Chivalry in Europe had already begun. The word “chivalry” is from a French word which means rider of a horse. So, when we speak of the Age of Chivalry, we picture to ourselves knights riding their horses and engaging in real or mock battles.
The mock battles were called jousts or tournaments, and they were the chief amusement of the time. Noble lords and beautiful ladies were present and watched the contest from raised seats as we now watch ball games. The real battles had many causes. Sometimes one prince would quarrel with a neighboring prince and settle the dispute by war. Sometimes a body of knights would go forth to avenge a wrong.
A Knight of the Crusades
Sometimes a king would call upon his knights to go with him to conquer some neighboring country. The knights were therefore always ready for war.
Every boy, if he were the son of a noble, at about the age of seven was sent to the castle or court of some prince or king, as a page.
Here he was taught modesty and obedience, hunting, riding, archery, and the hurling of the lance.
When he had become skillful in these he might bear the shield of his master. He was then a squire. He must know no fear, and must not boast of his own deeds. He must defend the weak and be ever courteous to ladies. At feasts he must carve the meats and wait upon the guests.