feudalism

Feudalism was a social and economic system that dominated much of medieval Europe, approximately from the 9th to the 15th century. It was characterized by a hierarchical structure where land was the main resource and basis of power. Under feudalism, the king or monarch granted large estates, known as fiefs, to nobles or lords in exchange for military service and loyalty. These lords, in turn, parceled out portions of their land to vassals or knights, creating a complex web of mutual obligations and protections.

The system relied heavily on a reciprocal relationship: landowners provided land and protection to their vassals, who, in turn, offered military service and other duties. Serfs or peasants worked the land, producing food and goods; however, they were typically bound to the estate and could not leave without the lord's permission. Their labor supported the entire feudal hierarchy.

Feudalism facilitated local governance and military defense in a period marked by decentralized political authority. It also structured society into rigid classes, with little social mobility. Lords exercised jurisdictional authority over their estates and peasants, while the monarch's power was often limited to a central authority with direct control over only a small portion of the territory.

The decline of feudalism was influenced by several factors, including the rise of centralized monarchies, economic changes, and the development of towns and trade. Nonetheless, feudal principles persisted in some regions and institutions beyond the medieval period.

Feudalism remains a significant concept in understanding medieval European history, illustrating a system rooted in landownership, loyalty, and hierarchical relationships that shaped societal organization for centuries.