Knights vs. Samurai

 Feudal Japan                        Medieval Europe
Samurais wore masks to scare enemies.        Knights were Christians.
                                            
They put incense in their helmets            Knights used lances in 
so if their heads were cut off it            battle.
would smell good.

Samurais practiced Buddism and Hinduism.     Knights' sons went to live at 
                                             other knights' houses at
Samurais compared themselves to cherry       about age 12.
blossoms because they both had short lives.

Samurais were usually illiterate.            Most knights were literate.

Samurais were Japan's warriors for 7         Knights rode horses with
centuries.                                   the rest of the army on foot.

They usually were farmers between battles.   Caused trouble between 
                                             battles.
Samurai prized honor above life and wealth.  It would take about 32
                                             years to make today's 
													equivalent of $130.

 Similarities

• Both had a high position in society.
• Both fought for nobles.
• Both fought on horses and wore armor.
• Both of their armors took hours to put on.
• Both used swords in battle.
• Both were rewarded with land and money.
• Both were warriors.
• They both had things they used for luck and belief.
• Both had celebrations when they became knights and samurais.
• Both trained since boyhood.
• Both had a code of honor, Bushido and the Oath of Fealty.

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