Medieval knights were first and foremost warriors, whose heyday was the late Middle Ages: the twelfth through the fourteenth centuries. Dominating the medieval battlefield during these years, they fought from horseback, wore bodycovering armor, and used many weapons, most notably the sword and the lance. Their skills at riding and in the use of weapons came from years of training.

In addition to fighting, many knights managed large farming estates, known as manors, which were important food producers in England and western Europe. These landholding knights also took a hand in local governments; indeed, they frequently were the local governments. Their advice on matters both military and civilian was sought by higher ranking nobles and by kings.

Other, landless knights made a living as mercenaries in local wars. Like landed knights, they also took part in tournaments, or mock combats...