* In the early medieval period, knights were relatively rare and were often the most powerful members of society after the king and the nobility. They were responsible for defending their lord's lands and vassals, and were often granted large estates as payment for their services.
* As the medieval period progressed, the number of knights increased and they became more widely distributed throughout society. This led to a decline in their power relative to the nobility, as the latter were able to maintain a larger and more professional military force. Knights still played an important role in warfare, but they were no longer the only group capable of fighting.
* In the late medieval period, knights continued to decline in power as the rise of gunpowder and artillery made it possible for commoners to effectively fight against them. This led to a further decline in the status of knights, and they eventually became little more than glorified bodyguards for the nobility.
Overall, the power of knights in society declined over the course of the medieval period. This was due to a number of factors, including the increasing number of knights, the rise of gunpowder, and the increasing power of the nobility.