What is Feudalism?
Feudalism, a term derived from the Latin word feodum (fief), refers to the social, political, and economic system that dominated medieval Europe from roughly the 9th to the 15th centuries. It was a hierarchical structure where land ownership and personal loyalty were the foundation of power and wealth.
Key Features of Feudalism:
- Lords and Vassals: The system revolved around a relationship between lords (landowners) and vassals (those who managed the land in exchange for loyalty and service).
- Fiefs: Lords granted parcels of land, known as fiefs, to their vassals, who in return provided military support, protection, or other services.
- Peasants and Serfs: The majority of the population were peasants, many of whom were serfs tied to the
- Decentralized Power:
Feudalism served as a means of organizing society during a time when central authority was weak. It ensured protection and order in an era marked by frequent invasions and political instability. However, it also entrenched social inequalities and limited social mobility.
The Decline of Feudalism
Feudalism began to wane in the late Middle Ages due to several factors, including:
- The growth of trade and towns.
- The rise of centralized monarchies.
- The Black Death, which significantly reduced the workforce and al
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