‘Feudalism’ is a complex term that encapsulates an intricate web of social, economic, legal, and political relationships that governed much of medieval Europe. At its core, feudalism represents a hierarchical system where rights to land and protection were exchanged for loyalty and service.

Economic Foundations Of Feudalism

At the heart of feudalism was land ownership. Land was the primary source of wealth, status, and power. The lords owned vast estates, and much of this land was cultivated by peasants. In return for the right to work on and live off these lands, peasants provided various services. Most notably, they offered labour services, such as working on the lord’s fields or contributing to the construction and maintenance of structures like castles or roads.

Social Hierarchy

Feudal society was rigidly stratified. At the top was the monarch, who theoretically owned all the land. Below the monarch were the nobility and lords, who were granted portions of this land in return for military service and loyalty. Beneath them were the knights or vassals, who were also landowners but held less power and territory than the higher nobility. At the bottom of this hierarchy were the peasants and serfs, who worked the land and had very limited rights.

Legal And Political Implications

The relationship between lords and vassals was formalised through ceremonies and oaths of fealty, binding the vassal to the lord’s service. This hierarchical system was not just about land and service; it also conferred legal and judicial powers. Lords often had the right to administer justice within their domains, effectively acting as both landowner and ruler over their territories.