IntroductionThe historical eras of feudal Japan and medieval Europe were marked by the presence of two distinct but surprisingly similar classes of warriors: the samurai and the knights. Both groups played a crucial role in their respective societies, influencing not only the political and military landscape but also cultural and social norms. This essay aims to compare and contrast samurai and knights through a Document-Based Question (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 lasting legacies. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Origins and RolesBoth samurai and knights emerged as a 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 of the aristocracy. Over time, they became the dominant military force, with the establishment of the shogunate system solidifying their status. In contrast, knights emerged in 9th century Europe during the fragmentation of the Carolingian Empire. They served as heavily armored knights and received fiefdoms in exchange for military service. Despite their similarities in origin, the roles of samurai and knights diverged in some respects. The 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 pursuits. On the other hand, the knights mainly focused on military duties and feudal obligations. Their influence in government was more limited, they often served their lords in purely martial capacities. 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 skill. Bushido also included elements of Zen Buddhism, promoting self-discipline and spiritual development. Knights, meanwhile, adhered to the code of chivalry, which emphasized courage, courtesy, and loyalty to one's lord and the Christian faith. Chivalry also included aspects of courtly love, which dictated 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, highlighting 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 military forces. The introduction of conscription and Western military techniques made the samurai obsolete. In Europe, the rise of centralized nation states and professional armies during the late medieval period diminished the military importance of knights. The advent of weapons a.