WHI-Chap20-chivalry

Chivalry was an informal but widely recognized code of ethics and behavior considered appropriate for nobles. Originally church officials promoted chivalry to try to stop all the fighting going on between Christians. By the 12th century, for a man to become initiated as a knight he had to place his sword on the altar and pledge his service to God. Then rather than seeking personal wealth, a knight was supposed to uphold the chivalric code and devote himself to the causes of piety, order, and the Christian faith. (T&E, 521)

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