cavaleiros

Cavaleiros is the Portuguese plural for cavaleiro, meaning knights or horsemen. The term derives from the association with the horse and mounted combat; it passed from Latin caballarius to Old French chevalier and into Portuguese in the medieval period, where it designated the warrior nobility and, later, ceremonial knights.

Historically, cavaleiros were mounted warriors who formed the military elite in feudal Europe. They acted as vassals to lords, supported by land, armor, and heraldry; their status depended on knighthood ceremonies and allegiance. Armor evolved from mail to plate, and weapons included sword, lance, and spear. Knights participated in battles, sieges, and tournaments; chivalry—a code of conduct emphasizing courage, piety, courtesy—shaped their social role.

In the Iberian Peninsula, cavaleiros played a significant role during the Reconquista, and the tradition of knightly orders developed, such as the Templars and later the Order of Christ in Portugal. These orders combined religious aims with knightly duties. In Portuguese and Brazilian contexts, cavaleiro can also mean a professional rider or horseman in equestrian and rodeo traditions.

Today, cavaleiro is used in historical and literary contexts to refer to knights; it remains a common descriptor for skilled horse riders in sports and culture. The term appears in literature, film, and popular culture as a symbol of chivalry and horsemanship; while actual knightly orders are mostly ceremonial or historical.