The Middle Ages is the official time period of The Royal Order of Chivalry and span the years from around the time of Charlemagne in the late 8th century to the end of the Hundred Years’ War in the middle of the 15th century. Those years represent a period in Europe when a strong unifying political force represented in earlier times (by the Roman Empire) did not exist. There did exist, however, another kind of unifying force in the form of the complex codes of knighthood and chivalry. These codes prevailed in England, France, Germany, Italy and beyond, and governed the lives of not only the medieval Knight, but all of medieval society as well.
Western civilization went through dramatic changes during this time period. The Church of Rome was becoming more powerful and the concept of a nation and national government became more common. Great Kings ruled by virtue of the strength of the lords and knights that served them.
Knighthood had risen from being armored cavalry to the point of inherited nobility. This was due in part to the enormous cost of armor, weapons and a war-horse. Armour was primarily mail, shield and helm up till the 1200’s. Towards the end of the 13th century various additions were made to the armor. Pieces of plate steel were beginning to be strapped over the mail. By the year 1325 a complete set of “transitional” plate armor had been put into use.
Most people in the Middle Ages wore woolen clothing, with undergarments made of linen. Brighter colors, better materials, and a longer jacket length were usually signs of greater wealth. The clothing of the aristocracy and wealthy merchants tended to be elaborate and changed according to the dictates of fashion. Towards the end of the Middle Ages, men of the wealthy classes sported hose and a jacket, often with pleating or skirting, or a tunic with a surcoat. Women wore flowing gowns and elaborate headwear, ranging from headdresses shaped like hearts or butterflies to tall steeple caps and Italian turbans. The armour used in The Royal Order of Chivalry tournament is drawn from the transitional armour used in the early 1300’s
Many consider this time in history a dark and barbaric period. By today’s standards of enlightenment this may be true, but it is surprising to find recorded in history that many of the people from this time were deeply committed to God even by today’s standards.The people were illiterate. Bibles were few and were copied completely by hand. Only the very wealthy could possibly afford one. The common people followed closely the teachings of the church. Many were extremely devoted to God. Some men of noble birth renounced their rights and worldly possessions to become members of religious orders, monks, and friars. Those who took up the cross and went on crusades left their families, homes, and holdings for a perilous journey that would take them away from home for up to 3 years. These men left facing death by ally, enemy, weather, and disease. All this out of love and a desire to serve as a shinning example to us today. The common man’s knowledge of the Word of God was very limited. Their access to the things of God was also limited. Yet in spite of this, they served God to the best of their ability. This is not to say that all were noble. Nor is it to imply that there were not great injustices done to each other or to their enemies in the name of God. Atrocities were sometimes carried out against “the heathen”. This even led to the persecution of the Jews and other minority groups. The Royal Order of Chivalry (ROC) opens its arms and membership to peoples of all racial and national backgrounds.
This time period of history was very harsh and in many ways dark. But in the midst of this shown a light of commitment to Christ that still burns in the noble-minded hearts of men and women today.
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