Knights of Cardone facts for kids
The Knights of Cardone were a special group of knights from the Middle Ages. They were part of an order of chivalry, which was like a club for knights who followed a code of honor. These knights are well-known for their brave actions in two important battles.
In 1470, during the Siege of Negroponte (1470), the Knights of Cardone fought alongside Venetian forces. They were led by Admiral Pierre d'Aubusson. They faced the powerful Ottoman army, led by Mehmed II. Sadly, the Venetian general decided to retreat, and Negroponte, an island now called Euboea, was lost.
However, the Knights of Cardone showed their courage again in 1480. During the Siege of Rhodes (1480), Admiral d'Aubusson and his Knights successfully defended the island of Rhodes. They stopped another attack from Mehmed II and his Ottoman forces.
The Knights' Beginnings
The Knights of Cardone, also known as the Cavalieri del Cardo, were a military order. This means they were a group of knights organized for fighting. They were started in 1370 by Louis II, Duke of Bourbon. He was a powerful leader who lived from 1337 to 1410.
The words "Cardo" and "Cardone" mean thistle in English. The order continued to exist through many Dukes of the House of Bourbon. This royal family ruled France for a long time. The Knights of Cardone lasted until the time of Louis XIV of France, who was a very famous king.
The Lexicon Tetraglotton Dictionary
The Lexicon Tetraglotton was a special dictionary published in 1660. It was a dictionary that translated words between four languages: English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
In the seventh part of this dictionary, there is an entry about the Knights of the Thistle. The Italian name for them was "Cavalieri del cardone nella caſa de Bourbonia." This means "Knights of Cardone of the House of Bourbon." In French, they were called "Chevaliers de chardon," and in Spanish, "Cavalleros del cardo."
The Knights of Cardone had a motto, which is a short phrase that expresses a belief. Their motto was "Nemo me impune lacessit." This is a Latin phrase that means "No one provokes me with impunity." It means that no one can attack them without facing consequences. This same motto is also used by a different group of knights today, called the Order of the Thistle, which was started in 1687.
