In Medieval times the societal gap between the upper and lower class was extremely evident. Even in the upper class gentry though, one could still distinguish between echelons. Between the knights as the highest ranking, to the infantry and archers in the lower rank were the cavalry, in between.
Originally from France, the Chivalric Code of Conduct was passed to the English people and became traditional. With armor on, it was much easier to distinguish a knight or a military leader from someone with a lower rank. Even full suits of armor, or the horse they rode because distinguishing characteristics of recognition.
Obviously there’s no video footage from the 14th century. But in the video below the image of the shining chivalric knight lives on. Fortunately for us, we don’t have to wear all that heavy armor today …
