The most feared knights of the Middle Ages -

nights were the ultimate medieval protectors of Europe. They served under a code of honor and fought to defend and expand territory in the name of religion and their kings and queens. But who were the most feared warriors of the old continent during the Middle Ages, really?

Many of these brave fighters left their mark in history, and in this gallery we remember some of the most fierce, chivalrous, and righteous knights of the Middle Ages. Click on to learn all about them.

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Robert Guiscard (c.1005-1085) -

Robert Guiscard "The Crafty" was a knight from Normandy who fought hard against the Arabs and the Byzantines during the conquest of southern Italy and Sicily.

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Robert Guiscard -

Guiscard famously defeated the army of Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos. Guiscard went on to become a duke, but died of typhoid on his way to Constantinople.

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William of Poitiers (1020-1090) -

William of Poitiers was a priest, scholar, and knight from Normandy. Poitiers was the chaplain of William the Conquerer during the Norman Conquest of 1066. His accounts of the Battle of Hastings are one of the most important historical records of the time.

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El Cid (1043-1099) -

Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, better known as "El Cid," is arguably the most famous Spanish knight. At just 22, El Cid became King Ferdinand I of Castile and Leon's commander. El Cid, however, was exiled at one point, and went on to serve a Moorish king.

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El Cid (1043-1099) -

But perhaps the pinnacle of his career was taking Taifa of Valencia from the Moors during the Reconquista, after being recalled by King Alfonso VI. El Cid remains a popular hero in Spain to this day.

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Hugues de Payens (1070–1136) -

Hugues de Payens was one of the founders of the Knights Templar and served as the Order's first Grand Master. He also co-created the Latin Rule, the code of behavior for the Knights Templar.

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Hugues de Payens (1070–1136) -

The Knights Templar was one of the most skilled military orders in the world. Hugues de Payens is believed to have fought in the First Crusade.

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William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke (c. 1146–1219) -

William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke was an Anglo-Norman soldier who served five English kings throughout his lifetime. He is also one of the most successful jousters in history, with more than 500 rounds under his belt.

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William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke (c. 1146–1219) -

It's also believed that William Marshal is the historical model for Sir Lancelot, King Arthur's great fictional companion.

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Guy of Lusignan (c. 1150–1194) -

Guy of Lusignan was a French knight who reached high places. He went on to marry the sister of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, Sibylla, becoming King of Jerusalem himself, and later King of Cyprus. 

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Richard I the Lionheart (1157–1199) -

King Richard I of England was known for his courage, which got him the nickname "The Lionheart." A fighter at heart, Richard I led the Third Crusade, resulting in the capture of Messina and Cyprus.

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Richard I the Lionheart (1157–1199) -

A fierce warrior who spent most of his time in campaigns, defending territory, or in captivity, Richard is said to have spent less than six months of his reign in England after becoming king.

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Ulrich von Liechtenstein (c. 1200–1275) -

Ulrich von Liechtenstein was a German poet and knight. He wrote extensively about chivalry and how knights could lead more honorable and virtuous lives.

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Ulrich von Liechtenstein (c. 1200–1275) -

Ulrich von Liechtenstein was knighted in 1223, and his works remain important historical accounts of the time.

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William Wallace (c. 1270-1305) -

The legendary Scottish hero gained even wider popularity after Mel Gibson's 1995 movie, 'Braveheart.' Wallace was one of the most iconic leaders of the the First War of Scottish Independence.

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William Wallace (c. 1270-1305) -

William Wallace fiercely fought the English for many years, including in the legendary Battle of Stirling Bridge, where the Scots won. William Wallace was eventually captured, tried, and killed by the English in 1305.

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Sir James Douglas, Lord of Douglas (c. 1286–1330) -

Sir James Douglas, also known as the "Black Douglas" and "Good Sir James," played a key role in the emancipation of Scotland from England during the late 13th century.

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Sir James Douglas, Lord of Douglas (c. 1286–1330) -

Like Wallace, he too was a commander during the Wars of Scottish Independence. James Douglas (here pictured with King of Scots Robert the Bruce) is known for being victorious against the English in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

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Geoffroi de Charny (c. 1306–1356) -

Geoffroi de Charny was a French knight who fought for his country in the Hundred Years’ War. He is also credited with putting the code of chivalry on paper for the first time, in his 'The Book of Chivalry,' in the mid-14th century.

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Geoffroi de Charny (c. 1306–1356) -

A brave and proud knight, he was known for carrying the king's flag into battle (pictured on the left, during the Battle of Calais).

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Bertrand du Guesclin (c. 1320–1380) -

Bertrand du Guesclin, also known as "The Eagle of Brittany," is also an iconic knight who fought for France in the Hundred Years' War.

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Bertrand du Guesclin (c. 1320–1380) -

Legend has it that once he was too busy fighting, and didn't realize his army had surrendered. Bertrand du Guesclin was eventually appointed Constable of France, the second-highest position beneath the kingship.

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Edward the Black Prince (1330–1376) -

Edward of Woodstock, better known as the "Black Prince" (because of his armor), was the son of King Edward III of England, but died before ascending to the throne.

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Edward the Black Prince (1330–1376) -

An important figure in the Hundred Years’ War, the Black Prince was not only an impressive knight, but also a model of chivalry. Edward of Woodstock also went down in history for being a founding member of the Order of the Garter.

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Henry Percy (1364–1403) -

Sir Henry Percy, better known as "Hotspur," was an English knight who fought in several campaigns against the Scots and the French.

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Henry Percy (1364–1403) -

The nickname "Hotspur" was given to him by the Scots because of his speed and readiness in battle. Henry Percy died in the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403.

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Jean II le Maingre (1366–1421) -

Jean II le Maingre, also known as "Boucicaut," was a French knight. Maingre later became a marshal of France and fought in Lebanon and Spain.

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Jean II le Maingre (1366–1421) -

Jean II le Maingre also founded the Emprise de l'Escu vert à la Dame Blanche ("Enterprise of the Green Shield with the White Lady"), which protected all female relatives (including widows) of knights while they were on campaign.

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Joan of Arc (c. 1412–1431) -

Joan of Arc was a teenage girl who decided to save France from the English. Without any military knowledge, she persuaded a small group of soldiers to join her and gained royal permission to march to Orleans and free the city from the English.

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Joan of Arc (c. 1412–1431) -

Joan of Arc was a knight at heart, and indeed left her mark in the history of France, of which she is a patron saint.

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Götz von Berlichingen (1480–1562) -

Gottfried "Götz" von Berlichingen, also known as "Götz of the Iron Hand," was a German knight of the Holy Roman Empire. His nickname was due to a prosthetic right hand, which he used to wield weapons in battle.

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Götz von Berlichingen (1480–1562) -

Götz von Berlichingen had a long military career, fighting in campaigns for 47 years!

Sources: (Working the Flame) (World History Encyclopedia) (TheCollector) (History Hit)

See also: Medieval murders, crimes, and misdemeanors

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