End of Europe's Middle Ages Chivalry The idealized code of conduct for medieval knights, chivalry exalted courage and courtesy in battle, generousity to one's inferiors and loyalty to one's lord. Church involvement in the Crusades added love of God and the defense of Christian principles to the code. With the end of the Crusading period, chivalric behaviour extended to the idealization of women and courtly love and became the pursuit of the elite who expressed the antiquated military code in mock battles and jousts.   The Tournament Book of Rene of Anjou, 1460   Return to Feudal Institutions The End of Europe's Middle Ages / Applied History Research Group / University of Calgary Copyright © 1998, The Applied History Research Group