Feudalism
Feudalism was a social, political and economic system that
prevailed during the Middle Ages, from the 9th to the 15th
century. It was characterized by the system of vassalage.
Origin
Feudalism originated in the 9th century when the Carolingian
Empire fell apart. In such a situation, the monarchs began to
find it difficult to defend their possessions. As a result, they
had to turn to the nobility for help and agreed to give up
some of their royal authority and grant them lands where the
nobles could exercise almost complete control, known as fiefs
Characteristics
Among the main characteristics of feudalism are:
The development of the vassalage connection between a
feudal lord and their vassals.
A society divided into differentiated social classes
The construction of walled castles.
An economy based on agriculture and livestock.
Frequent wars over disputed territories.
The payment of taxes.
The Catholic Church holds significant influence.
The decentralization of political power
The feudal lord and the vassal
The feudal lord used to be a nobleman who had a fief and enjoyed
power. The vassal, also a free man and, on many occasions, a
nobleman, received the fiefdom from the lord, to whom he was
obliged to pay tribute and to support him both politically and
militarily.
Power of the Feudal Lord
During this time, the feudal lords were prominent landowners
Feudalism was a social, political and economic system that
prevailed during the Middle Ages, from the 9th to the 15th
century. It was characterized by the system of vassalage.
Origin
Feudalism originated in the 9th century when the Carolingian
Empire fell apart. In such a situation, the monarchs began to
find it difficult to defend their possessions. As a result, they
had to turn to the nobility for help and agreed to give up
some of their royal authority and grant them lands where the
nobles could exercise almost complete control, known as fiefs
Characteristics
Among the main characteristics of feudalism are:
The development of the vassalage connection between a
feudal lord and their vassals.
A society divided into differentiated social classes
The construction of walled castles.
An economy based on agriculture and livestock.
Frequent wars over disputed territories.
The payment of taxes.
The Catholic Church holds significant influence.
The decentralization of political power
The feudal lord and the vassal
The feudal lord used to be a nobleman who had a fief and enjoyed
power. The vassal, also a free man and, on many occasions, a
nobleman, received the fiefdom from the lord, to whom he was
obliged to pay tribute and to support him both politically and
militarily.
Power of the Feudal Lord
During this time, the feudal lords were prominent landowners
