Feudalism

medieval history · social systems · knights and castles

Land for loyalty. In feudalism, a powerful lord owned huge areas of land called fiefs. People called vassals promised to serve the lord, and in return, the lord gave them land to farm and promised to protect them.

A pyramid of power. Feudalism worked like a chain, from the king at the top down to common farmers. Each person owed loyalty to someone above them and protection to someone below them.

Knights earned respect. Knights were skilled soldiers who fought for their lords. In exchange for military service, they received land and a place in society with honor and status.

Peasants worked the land. Most people in feudal society were peasants or serfs who farmed the lord's fields. They couldn't leave the land, but they had a guaranteed home and food, even in hard times.

Lasted for centuries. Feudalism became the main way European society was organized from around the 900s until the 1400s, shaping everything from warfare to daily life.