IntroductionThe historical eras of feudal Japan and medieval Europe were marked by the presence of two distinct but strikingly similar warrior classes: the samurai and the knights. Both groups played crucial roles in their respective societies, influencing not only political and military landscapes but also cultural and social norms. This essay aims to compare and contrast samurai and knights through a document-based questioning (DBQ) approach, examining their origins, roles, code of conduct, and eventual decline. By analyzing primary and secondary sources, we can gain a nuanced understanding of these iconic figures and their enduring legacies. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Origins and Roles Samurai and knights emerged in response to the need for organized military forces in their respective regions. Samurai originated in the 8th century during the Heian period in Japan, initially serving as armed servants for the aristocracy. Over time, they became the dominant military force, with the establishment of the shogunate system strengthening their status. On the other hand, knights appeared in the 9th century in Europe, during the fragmentation of the Carolingian Empire. They served as heavily armored cavalrymen and received fiefdoms in exchange for their military service. Despite their similarities in origin, the roles of samurai and knights diverged in certain aspects. Samurai were not only warriors but also bureaucrats and administrators, deeply involved in the governance of their domains. Their roles extended to intellectual pursuits, with many samurai engaging in poetry, calligraphy, and other cultural activities. On the other hand, knights focused primarily on their military duties and feudal obligations. Their influence in governance was more limited, often serving their lords in a purely martial capacity. Code of Conduct Samurai and knights adhered to strict codes of conduct that governed their behavior and ethical standards. Samurai followed the Bushido code, which emphasized loyalty, honor, and martial prowess. Bushido also included elements of Zen Buddhism, promoting self-discipline and spiritual development. Knights, on the other hand, adhered to the code of chivalry, which emphasized bravery, courtesy, and loyalty to one's lord and the Christian faith. Chivalry also included aspects of courtly love, dictating the knight's conduct towards women. Although both codes shared common values ​​such as loyalty and honor, their cultural and religious underpinnings led to differences in their application. Bushido's emphasis on loyalty extended to ritual suicide (seppuku) in cases of dishonor, reflecting the deep sense of duty and sacrifice inherent in samurai culture. In contrast, the religious dimension of the chivalric code often manifested itself in the form of crusades and other religiously motivated military campaigns, emphasizing the role of knights as defenders of the Christian faith. Decline and Legacy The decline of the samurai and knights was influenced by similar factors, including the centralization of political power and advances in military technology. In Japan, the Meiji Restoration of 1868 marked the end of the samurai era as the new government sought to modernize and centralize its forces.