Would this not allow each unit to carry an addition loaded volley onto the field?

I learned the term "Aridoamerica" from a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. I gather it describes the precolumbian cultures of the region of northern Mexico and southern Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, north of Mesoamerica, which is fantastic, because I know of no other term for the region. Then Oasisamerica for the Four Corners region or American Southwest. I gather there is some resistance to this term among US archaeologists because one of its proponents was a Marxist—but why would this matter??

I checked the FAQ and I hope this hasn't been asked before... but how did medieval knighthood really work?

I was reading a discussion that broke out on /r/asoiaf the other day about how accurate the knights of Game of Thrones are, and one user described them as essentially the medieval version of a modern protection racket (more brutal and thuggish but protecting peasants/serfs in exchange for what they produced) while another described them more honourably, like a mixture of policeman and elite soldier.

Reading that exchange made me realize how little I know about the actual historical knights of the past. Obviously the classical fictional stereotype of "the noble knight" is somewhere between Prince Charming and Superman... but while I don't think they were all thuggish murdermachines, I doubt they were all that valiant either.

So I ask you guys, how brutal and/or chivalrous were the actual knights of medieval history? What were their usual duties, both at peace and at war? Did it vary widely based on birth or merit?

thanks

^(If it helps to specify a region/time period then I'm most curious about England/France sort of area. I guess a period when they were at their most relevant and important.. sorry, if I knew more about them I'd be more specific)

And what about various combinations? Was it illegal for an Asian man to marry a Black woman? etc.

Thanks!

Or maybe the better question would be, why did it start in the 50's?

I have started a project that will employ an ancient symbol(s) relating to water, Gods, and slumber. Can someone help me out? Thanks a bunch!

For instance, the S.S. Sultana was the worst naval disaster in American history, right? Despite it being a horrendous calamity, it was largely overshadowed by the murder of John Wilkes Booth (and Lincoln's funeral procession) the day prior. To this day, I wonder if people know little to nothing about the S.S. Sultana because it coincided with something even more momentous...

Is there a name for this phenomenon?

Are there accounts of them being appalled? Did they do anything like the Western Allies are round up Germans to view it?

What caused them to be this way? and why?

I ask merely because, simply because of this series, he is my favourite historical character, and I want to know how accurate my perception of him is.

I was reading through a textbook regarding the the European 'voyages of discovery' and came across this line. It wasn't further clarified and was seeking some insight into the statement.

My basic understanding is that at the time of the Reconquista, Ferdinand and Isabella were centralizing their power in Spain.

How and why were young men in Spain limited in their economic and political opportunities after the Reconquista?

Thanks in advance.

"The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with beer." -Egyptian Proverb c. 2200 BCE