In medieval Europe, the mounted warrior class that formed the backbone of feudal armies were known as knights. These elite soldiers were not only highly trained in combat but also held significant social and political influence.
Knights were typically granted land (fiefs) in exchange for military service to a lord or monarch. They were bound by a code of chivalry that emphasized virtues such as loyalty, bravery, honor, and courtesy. This code governed their behavior both on and off the battlefield, shaping the cultural ideal of the medieval noble warrior.