The Basics

Feudalism

Feudalism is a social system that existed in Europe during the Middle Ages in which people worked and fought for nobles who gave them protection and the use of land in return.
~ controlled the economic, legal, political and social relationships in the Middle Ages
~ existed in the 9th-15th centuries
~ emerged as a result of decentralization of an empire
~ established by custom and tradition and an exchange of pledges called feudal contracts

Peasants

Knights/Vassals

Nobles

King

Bishops