What is Feudalism?

Definition:

Feudalism is a loosely organized system of rule in which powerful local lords divided their land holding among lesser lords. In exchange Vassals pledged service and loyalty to the greater lord. (Vassals were lesser lords)

Feudalism

Feudalism was established by custom and tradition and by an exchange of pledges. Under this system a powerful lord granted his Vassal a fief. A fief included peasants, towns, or buildings on the land.