When you think of medieval Europe, the image of shining knights comes to mind, but there are 10 reasons why these famed warriors were actually terrible on the battlefield. The knights of medieval Europe are among the most recognized warriors of human history. They played a key role in the society and warfare of the Middle Ages, and their ideals of chivalry survive to this very day. What many don’t realize, however, is that knights weren’t actually all that great as a fighting force. Below are 10 reasons why knights made absolutely terrible warriors.

10 They Were A Logistical Nightmare

If there was one factor that greatly limited the destructive nature of war in the Middle Ages, it was logistics—the supplying, housing, and movement of armies. Without centralized control, it was difficult for feudal rulers to marshal enough resources and authority to carry out large‑scale military campaigns.

Logistically speaking, knights were a huge burden. For starters, a knight never went to war alone. At the very least, he brought a squire, who would carry his armor and tend to his horse but wouldn’t participate in combat. To make matters worse, knights took at least two horses with them—a riding horse and a warhorse, which was used exclusively for battle. As a result, medieval armies had to feed not only the knight himself, but also his horses and retinue.

The horses’ need to graze further restricted the speed of an army’s movement and made warfare a difficult proposition in winter or in arid climates. A great example of these logistical burdens comes from the Crusades, where one of the leading causes of death for knights was actually lack of fodder and water for their horses, rather than combat.

9 Limited Service

While the specifics varied from country to country and over time, the feudal obligation of knights only required them to provide military service for about 40 days per year. This was a major limiting factor for both how long, and to what geographical extent, war could be conducted. Worse yet, knights could refuse service altogether and instead pay a fee called scutage. In 13th‑century England, for example, it is estimated that 80 percent of the country’s 5,000 knights chose to pay scutage instead of going to war.

These limitations were a major reason for the rapid development of infantry tactics in the 14th century as well as the increased use of mercenaries, particularly in England. By the Hundred Years’ War, the English army was composed almost entirely of paid men.

In particular, the practice of hiring men‑at‑arms—mercenaries who had all of the equipment of a knight but were not necessarily nobles—became increasingly widespread. These men could serve as long as they were paid and were also more experienced and disciplined than knights. By the time of the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, knights constituted only about 8 percent of English heavy cavalry.

8 They Were Expensive

Because of their elaborate armor, weapons, and powerful horses, knights were incredibly expensive. The equipment of an English knight, by one figure, was worth about 32 Anglo‑Saxon pounds by the mid‑13th century, about 10 years’ worth of wages for an archer. By contrast, an archer could be fully equipped for about 4 percent of that cost.

The knight’s most prized possession was the warhorse, which could cost as much as £300. (An average craftsman at the time would only make a few pounds a year.) Furthermore, if a medieval ruler wanted to maintain a group of knights for longer than their feudal obligation, he usually had to pay them money. Knights didn’t come cheap; they cost roughly twice as much as a man‑at‑arms of commoner background.

The bottom line is that for the cost of a single knight, it was much more pragmatic to equip a dozen infantrymen or archers or to hire other men‑at‑arms for half the cost. Based on the rapidly falling numbers of knights in English armies from the 14th century forward, this lesson was not lost on medieval rulers.

7 Adherence To Chivalric Ideals

In war you kill or get killed, so it’s crucial to use whatever you can to your advantage. Knights, however, held an idealized view of the battlefield. While some of these ideals, like courage, were useful in combat, others were detrimental. For example, there was the expectation that knights should battle other knights on fair terms, and if they were defeated and withdrew, they should not be pursued. There was also a widespread practice of taking defeated knights as hostages and ransoming them back, rather than killing them outright.

One famous example of knightly ideals backfiring on the battlefield was the Battle of Kutná Hora in 1421, where forces of the Holy Roman Empire led by King Sigismund fought a group of Bohemian rebels known as the Hussites. The rebels were surrounded but managed to break through and make a last‑minute escape. Sigismund chose to courteously allow Jan Žižka, the Hussite leader, to withdraw without being pursued, presuming him to be utterly defeated. This, however, was a grave mistake. After spending the next month gathering reinforcements, Žižka returned and caught Sigismund completely unaware, ultimately driving his armies out of Bohemia.

Meanwhile, England’s King Henry famously broke the rule of taking knights hostage at the Battle of Agincourt. Fearing that the French were mounting a counterattack, he ordered the execution of roughly 2,000 surrendered French knights to prevent them from taking up arms. The English knights disobeyed the order, but from a practical standpoint, Henry made the right move.

6 Poor Leadership

If there is one area in which we can excuse the knights themselves, it’s leadership. By and large, the men who commanded feudal armies were little more than glory‑seeking nobility with no actual military training. Some armies did luck out with having effective generals such as King Edward III of England, but they were the exception, not the rule. The French in particular were notorious for using their knights without any regard for terrain, strategy, and previous defeats.

Another problem was command structure. Since feudal kings had to rely on powerful nobles, who in turn brought their own hosts of knights, it was not always possible to exercise direct control over the whole army. Individual nobles could very well act on their own, and disagreements were common. The quarrels between the earls Gilbert de Clare and Humphrey de Bohun, for instance, played a major role in the English defeat at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Meanwhile, one of the most ridiculous examples of poor leadership occurred at the Battle of Crécy, where John, the blind king of Bohemia, insisted on being led into battle by his knights so that he could strike an enemy. This went about as well as you’d expect; John and all of the knights were killed.

5 Lack Of Standardized Training

For hundreds of years, knights were the closest thing to professional soldiers in medieval Europe. They had years of training on how to ride horses, fight in armor, and use a variety of weapons, and medieval tournaments gave them a chance to keep their skills sharp in peacetime.

Nevertheless, that doesn’t change the fact that outside of training in their youth as pages and squires, there was no formal, standard system for training knights. Once an individual attained the rank of knight, it was fully up to him how to continue to hone his skills. As a result, when knights came together under one army, they had different capabilities and styles of fighting.

This put knights at an obvious disadvantage when faced with professional forces that followed a systematic training regimen. Soldiers such as the Swiss pikemen underwent a sophisticated system of battle drills, where they learned how to use their weapons, march together, and function as a unit. Such practices were important not only for developing military skills, but also because they gave everyone the same training, ensuring that soldiers were able to keep up with their peers and work together.

4 Poor Teamwork

Discipline and organization are some of the most important aspects of warfare. This is a major reason why the Romans were so good at war. Knights, however, had a tendency to fight as individuals. The nature of feudal warfare was such that armies were assembled as they were needed. This meant that groups of knights from different parts of a country never had the chance to train together and learn how to function as a single unit.

There were some exceptions to this rule; knights who fought together in several campaigns were certainly more capable of working together. Orders such as the Knights Templar in particular developed an effective system which ensured that they operated as a disciplined and united force on the battlefield.

However, by and large, knights were individual fighters in search of personal fame and honor. The best that you could hope for is that they charged together once or several times. This also explains why cavalry charges were not always performed in an organized manner, with some knights riding ahead of the group.

3 Reliance On Favorable Terrain

Given that knights rode horses, they required solid, flat, and open ground to be effective. If forced into a clash in mountainous or muddy terrain, they lost their mobility and shock value. The Scots, for example, famously defeated the English in the Battle of Bannockburn by utilizing the boggy terrain and by digging pits to break up any potential cavalry charge.

Another prominent example of using terrain against knights was Courtrai, also known as the Battle of the Golden Spurs, where, in 1302, a group of Flemish militia delivered a crushing defeat to French cavalry. The Flemish carefully chose a position with marshy ground that was surrounded by streams and moats. The resulting cavalry charge was slow and uneven, and some knights never made it to the enemy. Unable to break the Flemish lines, the noble men‑at‑arms were equally unable to retreat in the muddy ground. The French ended up losing over 1,000 knights, and the battle received its name from the golden spurs collected off their corpses.

The English were equally innovative in the Hundred Years’ War with France. In the Battle of Agincourt, they chose a position with soft ground and also built a line of stakes in front of their archers. The French cavalry charge was easily repulsed, and the English emerged victorious despite being outnumbered four to one.

2 Archers Ruined Their Day

This may come as a surprise, but knights were actually quite vulnerable to archers. Mail armor could be pierced by bows from distances of 180 meters (600 ft), meaning that knights could get killed long before they got close. Better yet, experienced bowmen could fire a rate of 12 arrows per minute.

While the introduction of full plate armor in the 15th century was a big help, it didn’t make knights invulnerable to missile attacks. Crossbows were still capable of piercing plate, and even if bowmen were unable to kill a knight outright, they could target his horse instead. The arrows that didn’t hit still had a profound psychological impact on both the horse and its rider.

Archers were so deadly that knights developed a huge disdain for them, calling both the bow and the crossbow dishonorable, cowardly weapons. As noble‑born warriors who saw themselves as superior in every way to common rabble, they were naturally disturbed by the possibility of an anonymous, low‑born miscreant ending their life from a safe distance. The nobility even tried to get crossbows banned in the 11th and 12th centuries, because unlike bows, they required literally no expertise outside of aiming and pulling the trigger.

Numerous groups successfully deployed archers against knights in the Middle Ages, but none were more famous than the English during their Hundred Years’ War with France. Using the power of the Welsh longbow, numerically inferior English forces decisively defeated the heavily knight‑reliant French armies in the Battles of Crecy (1346), Poitiers (1356), and Agincourt.

1 They Were Easily Defeated By Professional Infantry

While well‑trained archers were already a deadly force to contend with, professional infantry was the Achilles heel of the knight. Disciplined infantry soldiers deployed in phalanx formation and armed with pole‑arm weapons such as pikes rendered heavy cavalry all but useless. Horses naturally refused to impale themselves by charging into a thicket of spears, and even if they did, all the infantrymen had to do was hold their ground.

So why did knights trump infantry for hundreds of years? The answer is simple: They rarely fought professionals. For most of the medieval period, knights faced peasants and freemen who made up the bulk of feudal armies. Neither of these groups had the proper training or equipment to stand up to a cavalry charge and would typically break ranks in fear of a charging mass of horse and man.

When knights did face professional infantry, it was a totally different story, and no group was better at demonstrating this than the Swiss. While largely overlooked by history in favor of their world‑famous watches and cheese, the Swiss actually played a decisive role in exposing the weaknesses of knights and revolutionizing medieval warfare.

Encroached upon by feudal kingdoms on all sides, the Swiss city‑states developed a professional militia force armed with halberds and pikes. These infantrymen were drilled constantly and were able to execute very complex maneuvers. Beginning in the 14th century, the Swiss delivered crushing defeats to the knight‑centric forces of Burgundy and Austria, most famously in the Battles of Morgarten (1315), Laupen (1339), Sempach (1386), and Nancy (1477). The Swiss were so successful that the rest of Europe began to copy their tactics, making knights all but obsolete.

Gleb Oleinik is a freelance writer and web developer. He likes to recite meaningless historical facts and ponder the big questions of life. You can contact him by email.

If you’ve ever been drawn in by the cinematic mysteries of The Da Vinci Code or the treasure‑hunting thrills of National Treasure, you’ll love the ten genuine points we’re about to explore about the Knights Templar. This legendary order blends fact and folklore in such a way that the line between history and myth is practically erased, leaving an enduring enigma that still sparks curiosity today.

10 The Surprise At The Battle Of Bannockburn

During the scorching summer of 1314, a rag‑tag, exhausted resistance managed to hand one of the most astonishing defeats to an English army famed for its might. The Scots, heavily outnumbered—some estimates put the ratio at two‑to‑one, others as high as five‑to‑one—still pulled off a victory that, on paper, should have been impossible.

The English, expected to steamroll the Scots, instead found themselves in a frantic retreat, with soldiers trampling one another in a desperate scramble for escape. Only the Knights Templar inspired such dread at the time, and thanks to their existing ties with Robert the Bruce through the Sinclair family—who had traversed from France to England and then to Scotland after William the Conqueror’s 1066 invasion—it is reasonable to believe they rushed to aid their ally. Many historians claim that Templar knights arrived in Scotland in the years leading up to the battle, tipping the scales in favor of the Scots.

While the exact numbers remain debated, the presence of the Templars, feared for their disciplined ferocity, likely contributed to the English panic and ultimate retreat, turning Bannockburn into a legendary Scottish triumph.

9 Did The Knights Templar Become The Freemasons?

When King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of the Templars, a wave of inquisitorial pressure forced many of the order’s members to seek refuge elsewhere. Scotland, alongside Portugal, emerged as a sanctuary from 1307 onward, providing a safe haven for those fleeing persecution.

After the legendary Battle of Bannockburn, Robert the Bruce is said to have established Scotland’s first Masonic lodge—a covert gathering spot for displaced Templar knights seeking protection. Robert himself became a member, effectively making him one of the earliest “Freemasons.” Key members of the Sinclair family, who fought alongside Bruce in several crucial battles before Bannockburn, also joined this lodge, cementing a deep connection between the two societies.

The Sinclairs, an influential Scottish lineage, contributed not only to the Masonic tradition but also to a host of lingering mysteries that continue to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike.

8 Did Henry Sinclair Travel To America A Century Before Columbus?

While Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World in 1492, some claim that Henry Sinclair—grandfather to William Sinclair, the future builder of Rosslyn Chapel—reached North America nearly a century earlier, in 1398. According to legend, Sinclair first landed in Nova Scotia before venturing down into what we now know as New England. A monument even commemorates this purported landing site.

Proponents of this theory also point to alleged Templar graves and remains scattered along the upper East Coast of the United States, as well as the enigmatic Newport Tower in Rhode Island, which many argue bears unmistakable Templar architectural signatures. To these believers, the tower serves as a stone‑carved calling card, confirming a pre‑Columbian Templar presence.

Supporters further suggest that Sinclair and his fellow Templars accessed ancient maps handed down from the Library of Alexandria, granting them knowledge of a continent that would later become the United States. Some even argue that Sinclair envisioned a sanctuary where individuals could practice any faith, indulge in scientific inquiry, and enjoy artistic expression without fear of ecclesiastical persecution—a vision eerily similar to the ideals later championed by the American Founding Fathers, many of whom were closely tied to Masonic lodges of the era.

7 The Mystery Of Oak Island

When the Templars sensed King Philip’s impending betrayal, they allegedly emptied their vaults of treasure and loaded the riches onto a fleet of ships. These vessels first navigated the Mediterranean before venturing into the Atlantic, setting the stage for a centuries‑long treasure‑hunt.

Scholars remain divided over the ultimate destination of these riches. Some argue that Portugal offered a secure sanctuary, while others contend that Scotland provided a safe harbor. Yet another theory holds that the Templars kept their wealth afloat, constantly moving it across the seas for decades, perhaps even longer. A popular belief among treasure hunters places the bulk of the loot on Oak Island, located off the coast of Nova Scotia.

Despite pouring millions of dollars into excavations, no definitive treasure has emerged from Oak Island. However, the island’s intricate drainage systems—designed to thwart intruders—continue to baffle investigators, fueling speculation that a vault packed with riches lies hidden beneath the surface.

Another location rumored to hold clues to the Templar treasure will be explored in the next entry on our list.

6 The ‘Clues’ In Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel, nestled in the tranquil Scottish village of Rosslyn (also spelled Roslin), has long been a magnet for conspiracy theorists. While many of the surrounding legends border on the outrageous, genuine mysteries persist within its stone walls. Notably, the chapel’s architecture features carvings that some interpret as depictions of maize—corn, a crop native to the Americas and unknown to Europeans until well after the chapel’s construction.

If these carvings are indeed representations of corn, they could lend credence to the notion that the Templars explored North America long before Columbus’s famed voyage. Such “messages” hidden in plain sight have proven effective at keeping the Templar‑America theory alive, as they provide tangible, visual evidence that challenges conventional timelines.

Adding to the intrigue are the empty voids beneath the chapel’s foundations. While safety concerns have prevented thorough excavation, the mere existence of these unexplored chambers fuels speculation. Though there may ultimately be nothing of significance hidden below, the mystery endures, keeping the legend of the Templars’ secret knowledge alive.

5 Awareness Of The Planets And Ritual

While mainstream historians rarely entertain it, researcher Jeff Nisbet argues that the Knights Templar were guided by esoteric astronomy and astrology. In an article for Atlantis Rising titled “The Mystery Of The Battle Of Bannockburn,” later reproduced in the book Forbidden Religion, Nisbet draws striking parallels between the battle’s events and the celestial configurations of the day.

According to Nisbet, at dawn the bull Taurus rose on the northern horizon, while Orion the Hunter reached its apex. Venus shone just north of Orion’s weapon, aligning with Taurus’s lower horn. The Sun emerged in Gemini, followed by Jupiter, Mercury, and the Moon. Leo the Lion completed the tableau, with Mars positioned beneath its breast. Accompanying Orion were his two canine companions, Canis Major and Canis Minor, the “Big Dog” and “Little Dog.”

Nisbet interprets this stellar arrangement as a cosmic blueprint for the day’s events. He recounts how, at midday, a pivotal clash unfolded: Earl Gilbert de Clare of Gloucester led one horn of Edward’s army, while Earl Humphrey de Bohun of Hereford commanded the other. Henry de Bohun, a young knight, charged toward King Robert the Bruce, only to be struck down by the king himself in a decisive blow that shattered his helmet and skull. This dramatic episode, set against the backdrop of the constellations, suggests the Templars may have orchestrated their tactics using celestial guidance—a theory that, while controversial, adds an alluring layer of mysticism to their legacy.

4 They Were The Banks (Before The Banks)

During an era when the Christian doctrine prohibited usury—the practice of charging interest on loans—the Knights Templar functioned as the de‑facto banks of medieval Europe. Their financial network set a prototype for modern banking, extending credit to citizens, financing crusades, and supporting royal war efforts across the continent.

Ironically, one of their most prominent clients was King Philip IV of France, who later ordered the mass arrest and execution of many Templars—a move possibly motivated by the king’s mounting debts to the order. As a charitable order that pledged poverty, the Templars nonetheless amassed vast wealth: aspirants joining the ranks often pledged money, treasure, or land, while generous donors contributed additional riches.

This accumulated wealth—bolstered by spoils from Crusader campaigns and other ecclesiastical missions—was stored in massive vaults in Paris and London. Their financial clout granted the Templars unparalleled influence in any nation where they held a presence, cementing their role as a powerful economic engine long before the advent of modern banking institutions.

3 The Ultimate Secret: The Divinity Of John The Baptist

A recurring legend asserts that the Knights Templar revered John the Baptist as a divine figure, believing him to be the true lord and deity. According to certain researchers, the Templars discovered John’s head beneath the Temple Mount in the 12th century, prompting them to hurriedly pack their valuables into five massive caskets and flee Jerusalem.

Some accounts claim the order carried the saint’s head with them, periodically praying before the relic. Possessing such a holy object was thought to allow those nearby to absorb John’s divinity and spiritual energy. Even a piece of his clothing or personal effects was believed to confer similar benefits.

Intriguingly, the secret society Skull and Bones—counting former U.S. presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush among its members—has been linked to Templar traditions. While the society is rumored to house the head of Geronimo and Adolf Hitler’s silverware, no concrete evidence suggests they attribute divine status to these artifacts. Nonetheless, the notion that powerful groups might seek to harness the energy of historic relics adds a tantalizing layer to the Templar mythos.

2 Did They Start With Only Nine Members?

Although some scholars dispute the exact origins, a popular narrative holds that the Knights Templar began with just nine founding members. Central to this story is Hugues de Payens, widely recognized as the order’s primary founder.

These nine knights pledged allegiance to Christ and dedicated themselves to protecting Christian pilgrims journeying to the Holy Land. While the official mission centered on safeguarding travelers, some theorists argue that the Templars were equally, if not more, motivated by the promise of treasure concealed beneath the Temple Mount.

The number nine carries deep esoteric significance across cultures. The Aztecs worshipped the Nine Lords of the Night, and ancient Egyptian mythology features the Ennead—a council of nine deities governing the Osiris saga. This numerological symbolism may have resonated with the Templars, aligning with their alleged fascination for mysticism and hidden knowledge.

1 The Origins Of The Jolly Roger

Today, the skull‑and‑crossbones flag instantly evokes images of swashbuckling pirates. Yet, the origins of the infamous Jolly Roger trace back to the Knights Templar, who originally bore the same emblem.

Following King Philip’s relentless persecution, Templar knights who failed to find refuge elsewhere turned to the seas. In secret, they adopted the skull‑and‑crossbones as a covert identifier, since displaying their traditional white banner with a red cross was no longer viable. This concealed flag allowed them to continue clandestine operations without drawing unwanted attention.

Contrary to popular pirate lore, the Templar‑styled Jolly Roger targeted only vessels belonging to the Vatican and royal fleets that opposed their cause. In essence, the flag represented a hidden naval arm of the Templars—a secretive force that likely contributed to the mysterious maps and navigational knowledge that have surfaced sporadically throughout history.

These ten genuine points illuminate the multifaceted legacy of the Knights Templar, revealing how history, myth, and mystery intertwine to keep their story alive for generations to come.

English history overflows with legendary swordsmen, from the mythic round‑table heroes to the notorious Hotspur and the Black Prince. Yet, tucked away in dusty chronicles are ten remarkable warriors whose stories remain largely untold. In this roundup of 10 awesome medieval champions, we bring those hidden legends back into the spotlight, revealing their bravery, intrigue, and occasional missteps.

10 Gilbert De Clare

Why These 10 Awesome Medieval Knights Matter

Gilbert de Clare embodied the classic English noble‑knight. A direct descendant of William the Conqueror and kin to both the English monarch and, through marriage, to Scotland’s Robert the Bruce, he commanded the influential de Clare lineage. By the age of twenty‑three, he already boasted several years of Scottish campaign experience.

His reputation naturally placed him among Edward II’s senior commanders during the ill‑fated 1314 Scottish invasion that culminated at Bannockburn. After a preliminary skirmish, de Clare urged the king to adopt a more cautious stance. Edward, offended, branded him a coward. Determined to silence the accusation, Gilbert spearheaded the next day’s charge, only to be isolated from the main force and slain.

His death resonated on both sides of the battlefield: he became the first English earl to fall in combat in half a century. In a remarkable gesture, Robert the Bruce kept vigil over his corpse before allowing the remains to be returned to England. De Clare’s demise underscored the chivalric code’s demand for valor in the face of danger and set off a chain of consequences that saw his estates fall into the hands of the despised Despenser family.

Whether viewed as a heroic martyr or a rash impulsive figure, Gilbert’s unwavering commitment to the knightly ideals of courage and loyalty left an indelible mark on the tumultuous politics of Edward II’s reign.

9 Thomas Of Lancaster

Deeply troubled by King Edward II’s pliability and susceptibility to flattering courtiers, Thomas of Lancaster emerged as a leading architect of the 1311 Ordinances, which sought to curb the monarch’s unchecked power. He also played a pivotal role in the 1312 execution of Edward’s close confidant, Piers Gaveston, viewing the latter’s influence as a direct threat to the realm’s stability.

In 1321, Lancaster rallied opposition against the Despenser family, whom many suspected of manipulating the king behind the scenes. His rebellion culminated in defeat at the Battle of Boroughbridge. During the ensuing trial—overseen by the Despensers and the king—Lancaster was denied the chance to defend himself and was subsequently beheaded at his own Pontefract castle.

His popularity among the common folk, rooted in his advocacy for the Ordinances, sparked a posthumous cult. People began treating him as a saintly figure, prompting Edward II to station armed guards at the church housing his remains to deter pilgrimages. Nevertheless, devotion persisted, and a riot erupted outside his tomb in 1323, illustrating the lasting resonance of his reformist legacy.

8 Henry Of Grosmont

Among the ten, Henry of Grosmont stands out for the vivid glimpse his own writings give us into the daily life of a 14th‑century noble. His treatise, Livre de Seyntz Medicines, offers a rare window into his personal habits, preferences, and self‑perception.

As the nephew of Thomas of Lancaster, Henry inherited a bold temperament. An avid jouster, he once celebrated Christmas 1341 by entering a joust without armor—a reckless spectacle that ended in two fatalities and a severe injury, yet he emerged unscathed. Later, his military successes in Gascony, particularly at Bergerac and Auberoche, earned him ransoms surpassing the king’s annual revenue, making him one of England’s wealthiest men.

Beyond the battlefield, Henry’s personality shines through: he proudly proclaimed himself a braggart, boasted about his dancing prowess, adored the scent of blossoms, enjoyed wine, and confessed to reading “trivial” books only after learning to read later in life. Perhaps most relatable is his chronic difficulty waking up early, a habit that endeared him to contemporaries as much as his martial feats.

His blend of flamboyant bravado, literary curiosity, and genuine human quirks makes Henry of Grosmont a uniquely relatable figure among medieval chivalry’s elite.

7 Andrew Harclay

Andrew Harclay was a knight whose compass always pointed toward principle. Much of his career unfolded along England’s volatile northern border, where, after being appointed sheriff of Cumberland in 1311, he repeatedly repelled Scottish incursions. Notably, he thwarted Robert the Bruce’s advance in 1315, safeguarding Carlisle and earning Edward II’s generous patronage.

Although he maintained a cordial rapport with the king, Harclay previously allied with Thomas of Lancaster. When Lancaster rebelled in 1321, Harclay declined to join, instead confronting the rebel forces at Boroughbridge in 1322. Before the clash, Lancaster appealed for Harclay’s support; Harclay’s refusal led to his capture of the rebel leader and Lancaster’s subsequent trial and execution.

Rewarded with the earldom of Carlisle for his loyalty, Harclay’s fortunes shifted when he concluded that the endless Scottish war was futile. Acting independently, he negotiated a peace with Robert the Bruce in 1323, omitting royal consent. Edward II, enraged, ordered Harclay’s spurs sawed off, shattered his sword, and sentenced him to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. Even at his trial, Harclay defended his actions as being in the best interest of his people.

Ironically, three months after his execution, Edward II signed a thirteen‑year truce with Scotland, a testament to the soundness of Harclay’s controversial peace efforts.

6 William De Warenne

William de Warenne began his career with a swagger that bordered on arrogance. Empowered by his father’s stature, he frequently dismissed courtly duties and even mocked King Henry I—derisively calling him “Stagfoot” for his obsessive hunting. This hubris led to his involvement in a failed rebellion, resulting in his 1101 banishment and confiscation of lands.

Intervention from his friend, Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy, restored his estates, and over time, William transformed from a scoffing noble into a trusted royal confidant. By 1110, he stood among the king’s closest advisers, accompanying the monarch on numerous campaigns. In 1119, during a French war, he famously declared his unwavering loyalty, refusing any temptations toward treason and pledging steadfast support to the English crown.

His dedication earned tangible rewards, including a substantial tax exemption—ranking as the kingdom’s third‑largest. Perhaps the most poignant moment of his loyalty arrived in 1135, when he was one of only five men to escort King Henry I’s body to Rouen for burial, underscoring the deep bond forged after his earlier missteps.

5 Aymer De Valence

When Edward II ascended the throne, Aymer de Valence already enjoyed a reputation as a seasoned and respected courtier, having served as one of the king’s closest advisors. The turbulent dispute over the king’s favourite, Piers Gaveston, split the court, and Aymer found himself straddling a delicate middle ground between loyalty to the monarch and criticism of his misgovernance.

As tensions escalated, calls grew louder for Gaveston’s banishment—or even harsher fates. Recognizing Aymer’s standing with both factions, Edward tasked him with escorting Gaveston to York for trial. However, en route, Aymer paused near his wife’s residence and left Gaveston unattended for a night, trusting that his protection would be respected.

That trust proved misplaced; rebels seized Gaveston, stripped him of clothing, forced him to march ahead of the knights, and ultimately impaled and beheaded him in the wilderness. The brutal betrayal shocked Aymer, prompting him to become an unwavering champion of Edward’s cause. He remained a steadfast advisor throughout the Despenser era, even acting as Edward’s personal protector, escorting the monarch away from the disastrous Bannockburn battlefield.

In an age where violence frequently replaced diplomacy, Aymer’s steadfast adherence to knightly honor and his moral compass positioned him as a stabilizing rock amid the kingdom’s chaos.

4 Roger De Mortimer

The Baronial War (1264‑1267) tore England apart, fueled by anti‑Jewish sentiment, famine, and widespread dissatisfaction with King Henry III. Roger de Mortimer emerged as a prominent baronial supporter, initially driven by his own inheritance delays and the king’s sluggish legal processes.

Roger’s allegiance wavered throughout the conflict. After losing a castle entrusted to him by fellow rebels, he switched sides, eventually commanding a royal contingent at the decisive Battle of Evesham, where he is believed to have slain rebel leader Simon de Montfort. From that point onward, he firmly aligned with the crown, pursuing aggressive land seizures against former allies, including clashes with Gilbert de Clare.

Later in life, Roger appeared to regret the devastation wrought by the civil war. He was among three trusted figures governing England while Edward returned from crusading. During this peaceful interlude, he and Gilbert de Clare reconciled, embarking on a year‑long tour of southern England to rebuild bridges and restore infrastructure damaged during the strife.

Roger’s evolution from opportunistic warlord to conciliatory statesman illustrates the complex motivations that shaped England’s medieval power dynamics.

3 Henry Percy

The Percy dynasty earned a reputation for fierce independence and recurrent rebellion, epitomized by the infamous Hotspur. Yet Henry Percy, the third Lord Percy, charted a markedly different course—displaying loyalty, modest ambition, and a steadfast sense of duty.

At twenty‑five, Henry fought at the pivotal Battle of Crécy during the Hundred Years’ War, later remaining in France until his father’s death in 1352. He then assumed the role of warden of the March, tasked with defending England’s volatile Scottish border—a responsibility his forebears had also shouldered.

Unlike his more aggressive relatives, Henry showed little appetite for expanding English holdings at Scotland’s expense. During the 1356 Scottish invasion, his most notable achievement was securing the Treaty of Berwick, which concluded the protracted border war in England’s favor. By 1355, he had risen to marshal of the English army in France, participating in Edward III’s campaign to capture Reims in 1360.

Contemporary chroniclers praised his humility: “Content with the lordship left him by his father, he wished to obtain the lands or possessions of no one.” By 1362, Edward III’s esteem for Percy was such that the king authorized his son—another Henry Percy—to negotiate directly with Scottish officials on his behalf, cementing the family’s reputation for reliable service.

2 Thomas De Beauchamp

Thomas de Beauchamp earned a place among England’s most celebrated warriors as a founding member of the Order of the Garter, the pinnacle of chivalric honor. Renowned for his tactical brilliance, he proved indispensable during the Hundred Years’ War.

On the battlefield at Crécy, Beauchamp commanded the English centre and was entrusted with safeguarding the Black Prince himself. In recognition of his valor, Edward III granted him a thousand marks on the condition that he remain ever‑ready to serve the crown in war.

Defying the typical retirement of older knights, Beauchamp continued to relish combat, joining the Black Prince at Poitiers in 1356 despite being over forty. Contemporary accounts describe him and William Montagu battling like lions, each striving to spill more French blood than the other.

By 1369, his reputation had become so fearsome that the Duke of Burgundy, hearing rumors of “the devil Warwick” in the English ranks, withdrew under cover of night to avoid confrontation. That same year, Beauchamp succumbed to the Black Death, ending a distinguished career that blended martial prowess with unwavering royal loyalty.

1 Jean III De Grailly

Jean III de Grailly, though French by birth, fought valiantly for the English cause, notably at the Battle of Poitiers where he led the cavalry. Seizing an opening, he orchestrated a flank attack that resulted in the capture of the French king and numerous nobles—a stunning feat given his own heritage.

Captured by the French in 1364, his captors initially refused to ransom him, later offering him lands and titles to switch allegiance. While he briefly accepted these honors, he soon reaffirmed his oath to Edward III, abandoning the French grants.

Returning to English campaigns, Jean faced capture again in 1372. Once more, the French king dangled titles and estates to lure him, but Grailly steadfastly refused, unwilling to betray his sworn loyalty. His reputation grew to such an extent that the French kept him under tight confinement in Paris, fearing his influence.

He remained a prisoner until 1376, when, upon learning of the Black Prince’s death, Jean reportedly fasted himself to death, refusing sustenance and passing away a few days later—a dramatic end befitting a knight of his unwavering dedication.

The legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table has been popular for centuries, yet among the 10 knights round that often slip past modern readers, many remain shrouded in mystery. King Arthur himself emerged as a literary figure sometime after 800, appearing in early Welsh manuscripts such as the Y Goddoddin. While the most famous champions like Lancelot and Galahad dominate the spotlight, a host of lesser‑known warriors contributed to the tapestry of Camelot’s mythic history.

10 Sir Lamorak

Alongside Lancelot and Tristan, Sir Lamorak ranked among the three mightiest Knights of the Round Table, yet his name has faded compared to his brother Percival. A son of King Pellinore, Lamorak was celebrated for his bold confidence and quick temper, qualities that made him a formidable combatant. Tales claim he could fend off more than thirty opponents simultaneously, marking him as an invaluable asset to Arthur’s cause.

Unfortunately, Lamorak’s off‑field choices sealed his fate. A bitter feud with the brothers Gawain, Agravain, Mordred, and Gaheris erupted after he seduced their widowed mother, an act that ignited a violent family rivalry. Gaheris, discovering the illicit liaison, killed the mother on the spot but spared Lamorak because he was unarmed. When King Arthur offered mediation, Lamorak declined, prompting the brothers to ambush and murder him. Sources differ on which sibling delivered the fatal blow.

9 Sir Agravain

Sir Agravain emerged as a prominent antagonist in early Arthurian narratives, renowned for his arrogance, sharp wit, and limited affection for others. Though his later reputation is marred by conflict, his early career was distinguished. A relative of King Arthur, Agravain earned his seat at the Round Table by freeing prisoners on the Hill of Wretches, later proving his mettle in the Saxon Wars and gaining a reputation as a skilled, prestigious knight.

Agravain’s downfall stemmed from his pride and jealousy. Envious of his brother Gaheris’s knighting, he pursued Gaheris on a quest, attempting to kill him twice, only to be bested each time. His bragging alienated his brothers, and when Gaheris murdered their mother, Agravain finally found a motive to target Gaheris, though Gawain intervened and urged mercy. His envy extended to Lancelot, the era’s greatest knight, and after uncovering Lancelot’s affair with Guinevere, Agravain was the first to report it to Arthur, joining a plot to ambush Lancelot. The plan failed, and Lancelot ultimately slew Agravain.

8 King Cador Of Cornwall

One of the few British monarchs also counted among the Knights of the Round Table, King Cador of Cornwall appears early in Arthurian literature as a close ally. Son of Gorlois, he is sometimes portrayed as Arthur’s maternal half‑brother and brother to Morgan le Fay, though other accounts describe him as of Roman descent, suggesting a friendship rather than kinship.

Cador’s fame largely rests on his mentorship of the young Guinevere, teaching her the skills befitting a noblewoman. As a trusted general, he led Britons to lift the Siege of Mount Badon and drove invaders back to the Isle of Thanet. His strategic acumen saw him command rear‑guard actions in Scotland and Gaul, notably at the Battle of Soissons, where, alongside Lancelot, he repelled a Roman emperor’s ambush while transporting prisoners to Paris.

During the tragic Battle of Camlann, as Arthur lay wounded, he entrusted the British throne to Cador’s son Constantine, a testament to his deep trust. Cador himself fell in combat at Camlann, defending his king to the very end.

7 Sir Daniel von Blumenthal

Unlike most Arthurian heroes, Sir Daniel first surfaces in a German tale titled Daniel von dem bluhenden Tal, penned around 1220 by Der Stricker. Arthur admits Daniel to the Round Table after the German knight defeats both Sir Percival and Sir Gawain, proving his exceptional prowess.

Shortly thereafter, a giant delivers an ultimatum: his lord, King Matur, has erected a palace atop an elephant and commands an army of giants intent on conquering the kingdom. Matur wields a mechanical dragon that emits a terrifying scream, forcing enemies to cover their ears and rendering them helpless.

While Arthur deliberates, Daniel volunteers to face Matur alone. Along his perilous journey, he encounters numerous distractions that ultimately guide him to a magical sword—reminiscent of Excalibur—crucial for Matur’s defeat. Victorious, Daniel receives Matur’s former kingdom, cementing his status as a powerful knight within Arthur’s court. Though popular in Germany, the tale faded elsewhere, as Daniel’s dark‑age heroics clashed with the chivalric ideals of later medieval Europe.

6 King Urien Of Gorre

King Urien ruled Rheged, a Celtic kingdom southwest of Hadrian’s Wall, and earned a place among the three greatest warrior‑kings in Britain according to the famed Welsh Triads. His exploits are recorded in the medieval manuscript The Book of Taliesin, where he is celebrated for resisting northern Anglo‑Saxon expansion alongside other local rulers.

Urien’s life ended abruptly when he was assassinated on the orders of the jealous King Morgant Bwlch. Over time, Welsh myth transformed him into King Urien of Gorre, a legendary figure and Knight of the Round Table. He served as a peaceful vassal under Uther Pendragon, Arthur’s father, and married the enigmatic witch Morgan le Fay.

Following Uther’s death, Urien initially opposed Arthur’s claim, but after being defeated, he became one of Arthur’s staunchest supporters. His marriage to Morgan proved tumultuous; she plotted to steal Excalibur, murder both Urien and Arthur, and install her lover Sir Accolon as king. The scheme unraveled when Urien’s illegitimate son Owain thwarted Morgan’s attempt to stab him, preserving both father and kingdom.

5 Sir Geraint

Sir Geraint, a youthful and courageous knight, inherited lands in Dumnonia (modern‑day Cornwall) from his father Erbin. He and his wife Enid counted both King Arthur and Queen Guinevere among their close friends.

When murmurs spread through Camelot that Guinevere harbored affection for Lancelot, Geraint kept silent but grew uneasy upon learning that Guinevere and Enid were spending considerable time together in Dumnonia. Fearing Guinevere might tempt his wife, he petitioned Arthur for permission to return home, claiming a desire to become a better ruler, though his true motive was to keep an eye on Enid.

Back in his domain, Geraint devoted himself to Enid, prompting gossip that he had lost his masculine vigor and was no longer an effective ruler. Enid, distressed by the rumors, confessed she felt she had failed as a wife. Misinterpreting her tears as an admission of infidelity, Geraint set out on a tour of Dumnonia with her, confronting numerous trials. Their shared adventures reinforced their bond, and they remained devoted partners, offering a sterling example of loyalty and leadership to the other Knights of the Round Table.

4 Sir Caradoc Short Arm

Caradoc Short Arm—simply called “Caradoc” here—was a formidable figure in the kingdom of Gwent, sometimes even portrayed as its king. He wielded great influence among Britain’s rulers and served loyally under Uther Pendragon. Yet, Caradoc initially opposed Arthur’s ascent, doubting his suitability as king.

After Arthur’s victory over Caradoc, the latter became one of the monarch’s closest advisers, eventually described as one of Arthur’s three principal knights and chief elder at Celliwig. Caradoc’s wife, Tegau Eufron, was famed for her extraordinary beauty.

One day, a sorcerer named Eliavres appeared at Caradoc’s court, challenging him to behead the wizard. Failure would allow the sorcerer to claim Caradoc’s head. Caradoc attempted the beheading but failed; instead, Eliavres revealed himself as Caradoc’s biological father, having bewitched Caradoc’s presumed father, eloped with his mother, and fathered Caradoc. Distraught, Caradoc embarked on a perilous quest, eventually meeting his future ally King Cador. Together they captured Eliavres, but the sorcerer escaped, summoning a vicious serpent that coiled around Caradoc’s arm, crippling it.

Seeking a remedy, Caradoc learned that the serpent recoiled at the scent of vinegar. He, Cador, and his wife devised a plan: Tegau bathed in milk while Caradoc immersed his arm in vinegar. The serpent leapt between the two liquids, and Cador sliced it mid‑air, but Caradoc’s arm never fully healed, earning him the moniker “Caradoc Short Arm.”

3 Sir Lucan

Sir Lucan, also known as Lucan the Butler, is an often‑overlooked figure in Arthurian legend. Though he lacks a sprawling personal saga, he consistently ranks among Arthur’s most trusted confidants.

Lucan was among Arthur’s earliest supporters, remaining loyal when many other kings raised their swords in rebellion. In medieval courts, the title “butler” denoted a prestigious office, entrusting the holder with the management of royal affairs. Lucan also frequented tournaments, though his martial achievements never eclipsed those of his peers. At one point, Sir Tristan grievously wounded him, necessitating treatment at a nearby abbey.

Throughout the saga, Lucan stood by Arthur during Lancelot and Guinevere’s betrayal, often acting as a mediator between the feuding factions. He consistently advocated for peace, famously counseling Arthur against waging war on Mordred—a warning that, when ignored, led to the catastrophic Battle of Camlann. Alongside his brother Bedivere, Lucan was among the final knights to fall, protecting Arthur in his last, tragic stand.

2 Sir Lanval

Sir Lanval, a tragic yet noble knight, initially attracted envy from his peers for his striking beauty, generosity, and bravery. While his fellow knights feigned affection, they secretly hoped misfortune would befall him.

When Arthur dispensed gifts and wealth among his followers, Lanval was inadvertently overlooked. Already distant from his ancestral home, he chose not to plead for recognition. The other knights, harboring resentment, failed to inform Arthur of Lanval’s omission, leaving him to languish in poverty and melancholy.

Fortune turned when a radiant fairy mistress fell in love with Lanval, promising him endless gold and support, provided he kept her existence secret. However, Queen Guinevere, notorious for her infidelities, made advances toward Lanval. He rebuffed her, prompting Guinevere to accuse him of homosexuality—a charge that threatened his reputation. In desperation, Lanval disclosed his secret lover, asserting she surpassed Guinevere in beauty.

Guinevere escalated the matter to Arthur, alleging Lanval had attempted to make her his lover and boasted of a superior mistress. Arthur ordered a trial: Lanval would be exonerated if his fairy mistress appeared; otherwise, he would face punishment. At the trial’s climax, the fairy appeared, vindicating Lanval and exposing Guinevere’s falsehoods. Though Arthur prepared to reintegrate Lanval into the Round Table, Lanval chose to depart with his otherworldly lover, who returned to Avalon.

1 Sir Gareth

Sir Gareth, a son of King Lot, counted among the famed brothers Gawain, Gaheris, and Agravain. Unlike his siblings, Gareth arrived at Arthur’s court disguised as a humble kitchen boy, bearing no known lineage.

Sir Kay assigned Gareth the most menial kitchen duties, teasing his delicate hands and assigning the worst chores. Nevertheless, Gareth’s innate talent shone early; he swiftly defeated the Green Knight, the Red Knight, and numerous others, compelling them to pledge fealty to Arthur.

Gareth entered a tournament incognito, intent on besting his brothers. He revealed his true identity only after vanquishing his brother Gawain in the final bout, earning both respect and recognition.

Later, Gareth distanced himself from his brothers’ unscrupulous deeds, intervening on several occasions: he halted Gawain and Agravain from killing their sibling Gaheris, condemned them for the murder of Sir Lamorak, and attempted to suppress the revelation of Lancelot and Guinevere’s affair. Despite his loyalty to Arthur, Gareth often sided with Lancelot, who had first shown him kindness and bestowed knighthood. In a tragic twist, Gareth was inadvertently slain by Lancelot while trying to rescue Guinevere from execution by fire. His death underscored the complex loyalties and tragic outcomes that defined the era’s most storied knights.

Tales of their courage, valor, and piety have long captured our imaginations. Shrouded in mystery, the knights of the medieval world evoke romantic ideas of a time when noble quests and adventure seemed the norm. Yet, while some of these orders may sound familiar, others escape our attention, even though their power and influence were just as impressive.

Here are ten of the most powerful Orders of Knights that the medieval world had ever known.

Related: 10 Awesome Medieval Knights You’ve Never Heard Of

10 The Order of Santiago

The Christian religious Order of Santiago was founded in Spain sometime around 1160. The primary purpose of the order was to fight Spanish Muslims and protect pilgrims traveling to the shrine of St. James at Compostella. The rules of this Christian military-religious order were based on those of the Augustinian monks and the Templars. However, unlike all other medieval orders, they didn’t lead a monastic lifestyle. The Knights of Santiago could marry and own personal possessions.

Officially founded in the city of Caceres, the order quickly expanded to become a formidable force within the Reconquista, the series of wars that re-Christianized the Iberian Peninsula. While always remaining fairly small in number, the knights gained extensive fame and land across Europe. You could say they were the celebrities of their day.^[1]

9 The Knights of Saint Stephen of Tuscany

Founded in 1561, the full name for this Roman Catholic Tuscan dynastic military order is the Holy Military Order of Saint Stephen Pope and Martyr! Saint Stephen was the first ever Christian martyr trialed and stoned to death after being accused of blasphemy by the supreme Jewish law court, the Sanhedrin. Stephen was likely a Greek Jew who converted to Christianity.

The Knights of Saint Stephen were created by the first Tuscan Grand Duke Cosimo de Medici, and they followed the rule of the Benedictine Order. Cosimo de Medici himself was the first grandmaster of the order, and his successors to the role were the ensuing grand dukes of Tuscany.

The main role of the knights was to fight the Ottoman Turks at sea and the Corsair pirates of the Mediterranean. They played a crucial role in securing victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, which marked a turning point in preventing the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. Given the power of the Ottoman Empire up until that point, it takes a pretty badass order of knights to help turn the tables of history like that!^[2]

8 The Order of Saint James of Altopascio

This Italian warrior brotherhood was also known as the Order of the Tau due to the use of the Tau symbol as its official emblem. Their origins lie within the foundation of a hospital by Augustinian monks at Altopascio, Italy, sometime around 952. Set apart from the general clergy, a group of physicians known as Clerics comprised the majority of the order. They provided spiritual, medical, and military assistance to pilgrims along the perilous roads between the cities of Genoa and Lucca.

Although the Order of the Tau had become fully militarized sometime in the 1050s, only in 1239 did it gain papal recognition as a military order. Despite the fact that the Knights of the Tau were never particularly large in number, they built numerous hospitals elsewhere, were very effective, and generally rather ahead of their time. Without a doubt, these guys were the trendsetters of Medieval Europe.^[3]

7 The Livonian Brotherhood of the Sword

Alongside their pretty epic-sounding name, this Cistercian order of monastic warriors was one of the most significant knightly orders in Eastern Europe. The Brethren of the Sword, as they were also known, was established in the Livonian colony of Riga in 1202. The city of Riga had been settled the year before in what is now Latvia and Estonia to support the eastward Christianization of Europe. With the pope’s permission, the Livonian Brotherhood was founded as a permanent military body in Livonia to protect the conquests of the Christian Church. They were also tasked with forcibly converting the native pagans to Christianity—and force them they did!

The Knights of the Livonian Brotherhood were required to be of noble birth and had to take vows of obedience, poverty, and celibacy. Membership wasn’t just limited to knights, however, as soldiers, clerics, and artisans also made up a portion of the Brotherhood. Their downfall came when they attempted to conquer lands belonging to groups known as the Curonians, Semigallians, and Samogitians.

After experiencing excruciating defeat in battle, the Knights received a further scolding from the pope and the Holy Roman Emperor. They had used conversion tactics that were far too brutal and were forced to disband and reorganize as a branch of the Teutonic Knights (more on them later!).^[4]

6 The Order of Calatrava

The Knights of Calatrava originated in 1158 as a result of the Reconquista in the Iberian Peninsula. The area had been a battleground between Christendom and Islam long before the Crusades came to the Holy Land. Before the Knights of Calatrava emerged, no large Spanish order comparable with those from elsewhere in Europe had fought there. When the royal castle of Calatrava was abandoned, however, King Sancho III of Castile ceded it to the abbot of a Cistercian monastery. Within a year, a group of soldiers and Cistercian monks had not only successfully defended the castle against the Moors but had also cleared the surrounding region of bandits.

Forming a new military-religious brotherhood, the pope formally recognized the order in 1164. It became closely affiliated with the Cistercian abbey of Morimond but maintained its headquarters at Calatrava, despite its brief occupation by the Moors. The order played a significant role in the Reconquest of Andalusia and, by the 15th century, had a membership of 200,000.

Although its numbers diminished leading up to its dissolution in the 19th century, the Knights of Calatrava were, at one point, one of the fiercest orders in Medieval Europe based on their sheer numbers alone. This was one big group of monks you wouldn’t want to mess with!^[5]

5 The Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury

Named after Thomas Becket, the martyred Archbishop of Canterbury, the Hospitallers of St. Thomas was founded during the Third Crusade. During the siege of the city of Acre in 1191, a Christian chaplain was among Richard I’s English forces. He felt such sadness and compassion at the sight of so many Christian corpses that he rallied a small group to help him tend to the wounded and bury the dead. He soon formed an English order for the purpose of burying the Christian knights who had fallen in battle in the Holy Land. He also worked on raising the funds to bring home ransomed captives caught by the Saracens.

The English monks of the order were eventually pressed into service, replacing the knights who had fallen through death or disease. With this, they became military monks who fought alongside the knights of numerous other orders battling in the Holy Lands. For their bravery and valor, the Hospitallers were rewarded by King Richard I, who accorded them the status of an Order of Chivalry. A title like that was probably the ultimate status symbol of the Medieval world.^[6]

4 The Teutonic Knights

Like the Hospitallers of St. Thomas, the Teutonic Order was founded during the capture of Acre in 1191. During the siege, a group of German merchants formed a fraternity to nurse the sick. And they took over a hospital in the town from which to do so. The later withdrawal of a large number of German crusaders in 1197 caused the German princes and bishops to search for alternatives. So, in 1198, they militarized the fraternity to make it a military-religious order of knights.

The Teutonic Order grew incredibly popular and became one of the most powerful orders of knights in the Holy Land. Had it not been for the equally impressive might of other knightly orders also there at the time, then they undoubtedly would have gained even more land and influence.

Once the Crusades were over, however, the Teutonic Knights joined the movement to convert the pagans in Eastern Europe. Gaining major political power and land ownership, they quickly became the most important and dominant order of knights in that region. Little wonder then that the Livonian Brotherhood was eventually absorbed by them.^[7]

3 The Hospitallers of Saint John

The formation of the Hospitallers of Saint John was bound up with the founding of a hospital in Jerusalem around 1070. Established by a group of monks as a place of rest for pilgrims, anyone who became ill during their travels was cared for, regardless of race or religion. Those who worked there were officially recognized by the Church as members of a new religious order in 1113. Known as the Hospitallers, they eventually took on a military role once the Crusaders captured Jerusalem.

The Order was divided between those who retained a peaceful, religious role and those who fought and became known as the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. They briefly moved to Cyprus following the recapture of Palestine by Muslim forces in 1291, and then later to Rhodes and, finally, to Malta. They stayed in Malta until 1798, building the capital city of Valetta while they were there. The tiny island remained safe under their protection for so long, largely because the order was so effective in patrolling the Mediterranean with their ships. With those seafaring skills, they certainly could have given the Knights of Saint Stephen a run for their money.^[8]

2 The Order of St. Lazarus

Founded shortly after the Hospitallers, the origin of the Order of Saint Lazarus also took place during the First Crusade of 1099. It was initially based in Jerusalem, where members would help lepers within the leprosarium just outside the city walls. The order evolved to assume a military role at some point before the early 13th century, and its knights participated in the most important campaigns in the Holy Land. The order’s range of influence soon expanded, and it eventually acquired a church, a convent, and a mill in Jerusalem. They also constructed hospitals, chapels, and various other establishments, expanding their role into Europe.

Many of the knights were themselves lepers, and Hospitallers who caught the disease often had to transfer to the Order of Saint Lazarus. Even ordinary citizens who suffered from the disease were recruited to fight alongside the knights. This fact alone can make anyone appreciate what a tough bunch the Knights of Lazarus must have been.^[9]

1 The Knights Templar

No list of Medieval knights would be complete without a nod to the legendary Knights Templar. The sheer scale of notoriety for this wealthy, powerful, and mysterious order is what secures them the top spot. Setting a precedent for groups of warrior monks, the Knights Templar was formed in the Holy Land around 1118. After the Christian capture of Jerusalem during the Crusades, groups of pilgrims visiting from Europe were often robbed and killed during their journeys to the various holy sites. In order to escort and protect them, a French knight and eight of his friends and relatives established a military order. Setting up quarters on Jerusalem’s sacred Temple Mount, they adopted its name and called themselves the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon.

The Knights Templar, as they came to be known, quickly grew in size and prominence. Tales of their adventures, military prowess, and work on behalf of their faith fascinated the Medieval world. They even set up a successful network of banks, which gave them a reputation for their financial acumen. However, they led pretty disciplined lives and had to follow a strict code of conduct. Pledging poverty, chastity, and obedience, they had to pray every day and were forbidden from drinking, gambling, and swearing. With so much work and very little play, the Knights Templar are some of history’s most notorious badasses!^[10]