feodaalne

Feodalism is a political, economic, and social system that flourished in medieval Europe, characterized by the division of land into fiefs, which were granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for military service and loyalty. This system emerged in the 9th century and persisted until the 15th century, with variations in different regions and periods.

At the apex of the feudal hierarchy was the monarch, who held absolute power and controlled the largest estates. Below the monarch were nobles, who held fiefs and owed direct allegiance to the king. These nobles, in turn, could grant smaller fiefs to lesser nobles, knights, and other lower-ranking vassals. The structure of the feudal system was hierarchical, with each level dependent on the one above for protection and support.

The economic aspect of feudalism was based on agriculture, with the majority of the population living on manorial estates. The lord of the manor provided protection and infrastructure, while the peasants worked the land in exchange for a share of the harvest and the right to live on the estate. Serfs, who were bound to the land, had limited rights and could not leave the manor without permission.

The social structure of feudalism was rigid, with clear distinctions between classes. The clergy held significant influence and wealth, often owning large estates. The nobility enjoyed privileges and exemptions from certain taxes and laws. The peasantry, however, had few rights and were subject to the whims of their lords.

Feudalism declined in the late Middle Ages due to factors such as the Black Death, which reduced the labor force, and the rise of merchant classes who challenged the nobility's economic and political dominance. The system was eventually replaced by more centralized monarchies and the emergence of nation-states.