Samurai
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The samurai were members of the professional warrior class in pre-industrial Japan, who served as retainers to the lords. These men came from warrior families and trained from a young age in military
The mounted archer represented the quintessential samurai.
A warrior in ō-yoroi armor typical of the Gempei War (1180–1185).
Ōdachi forged by Sadaie, 14th century, Nanboku-chō period, Important Sword
Tanegashima (arquebus)
Affinity (medieval)
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In post-classical history, an affinity was a group of men whom a lord gathered around himself in his service; it has been described by one modern historian as "the servants, retainers, and other follo
Samurai
…The samurai (侍) were members of the professional warrior class in pre-industrial Japan, who served as retainers to the lords. These men came from warrior families and trained from a young age in military arts through private instruction. Swordsmanship, archery…
The Dunstable Swan Jewel, a livery badge, from ca. 1400 (British Museum)
Middleham Castle was the centre of the earl of Salisbury's Yorkshire affinity.
John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster: In the later fourteenth century, his affinity was second only to that of the king.
Bayeux Tapestry scene 23 Harold sacramentum fecit Willelmo duci