In the Middle Ages, knights were primarily paid through a combination of land, stipends, and spoils of war rather than a regular salary.
Most knights were vassals to a lord or noble, and their payment often came in the form of land grants, known as fiefs. This land allowed them to generate income through agriculture and other means, supporting their lifestyle and military duties.
Additionally, knights would receive a regular stipend from their lord, especially during times of peace. This money helped them maintain their equipment and pay for the costs associated with being a knight.
During warfare, knights could also earn payment through the spoils of combat, which included plundered goods and ransom from captured enemies, further adding to their wealth.
In essence, the payment of knights was closely tied to their relationship with their lords and the systems of feudalism that characterized the social and economic landscape of the time.