Samurai were skilled and disciplined warriors in feudal Japan who served as the military nobility. They were known for their fierce loyalty, martial prowess, and adherence to a strict code of honor known as bushido. Samurai were trained in various combat techniques, such as swordsmanship and archery, and wore distinctive armor and helmets. They played a crucial role in Japanese history, serving as protectors of their lords and fighting in numerous wars and conflicts. The ideals of the samurai continue to be romanticized and revered in modern popular culture.