Papo History White knight fleur de lys 39790

In the 12th century, a knight was not a member of the nobility. It wasn't even a social class but a profession or trade for fighters. Often they were petty vassals and little more than fighters in the service of an earl, duke or some other noble lord. From the 13th century, the knighthood and the rise of the military-religious orders ensured the inclusion of knighthood in the nobility. Propaganda for the Crusades greatly increased the prestige of the Knights and gave them easier access to the nobility. From then on, knights belonged to the noble class and it was virtually impossible for non-noble men to receive the knighthood. In the High and Late Middle Ages, the concepts of chivalry and nobility became increasingly intertwined.