Samurai and Knights

Two warriors with distinct names and from two separate nations have been created throughout history. A cadre of professional fighters emerged over a millennium ago, swearing allegiance to great lords and engaging in life-or-death combat to protect them. The two fighters were knights and Samurai. While knights on horses were engaged in battle in Europe, Samurai defended Japan as members of the daimyo elite of armed attendants. Both areas created a system known as federalism to maintain order throughout the land. The Samurai of Shogunate Japan and the Knights of Medieval Europe had many things in common, including being mounted warriors who mainly depended on their weapons and adhering to a rigid code of conduct that stressed loyalty and honor. Additionally, the combatants had a great deal of comradeship and pride. The European dominion arose due to the collapse of the Roman Empire. The growth of clans posed a threat to the Japanese monarchs and royal court. The issue is whether European and Japanese fighters are more similar or dissimilar. Samurai and knights had more traits in common than in contrast. Therefore, examining three areas—social standing, armor, preparation, and honor—will demonstrate the various similarities and differences found in both Samurais and Knights showcasing whether their similarities were greater than the differences.