# What is a knight?

The knight embodies the figure of the ideal warrior, meant to protect and support the weak.

However, this vision contrasts with the reality of war in the Middle Ages, which involved ambushes, raids, and pillaging.

Most knights served a lord, their suzerain.

Not all knights were equal in terms of wealth, power, and freedom—these factors depended on their family background and the influence of their suzerain, directly affecting each knight’s equipment.
Nevertheless, they all shared a warrior vocation that required specific training, including horseback riding, handling a lance, sword, and shield.

In medieval art, knights often had an allegorical role, representing virtues.

On this crescent-shaped plaque from the treasure of Troyes Cathedral, whose design is believed to have been created by the Master of the Bible des Capucins (preserved at the BnF in Paris), two knights can be seen, closely resembling those depicted in the cloister’s sculpture.

Crescent-shaped plaque attributed to the Master of the Bible des Capucins,
depicting a church and knights, c. 1150–1170,
Trésor de la cathédrale de Troyes,photo © Marc Gil