Feudalism and the Middle Ages 5 th century

Feudalism and the Middle Ages 5 th century – 12 th century

What is Feudalism? • Relationship between a lord, a vassal, a serf, and a fief • Originated in what is now known as France during the Middle Ages (a. k. a. = Dark Ages)

Player # 1: LORD • Owns the land politically controls the region • Is wealthy • Often lives in a large castle (think of picture shown earlier) • Is in desperate need of military protection

Player # 2: VASSAL • Also known as a knight • the vassal swears to protect the lord in exchange for use of the lord’s land (he is only borrowing the land) • The vassal generally has it farmed by the serfs • The vassal must formally enter into the arrangement by way of the “commendation ceremony. ” Where the vassal would take the oath of homage and fealty (protection of the lord).

Player # 3: SERF • Also known as a peasant • They work the land • They were often bound to the land could not leave without permission • At the peak of Feudalism, 90% of Western Europe were peasants • Life was not always pleasant

Player # 4: THE FIEF • The land owned by the Lord in which the vassal borrows from • The vassal earns revenue from it by having the serfs farm the fief

The Basic Structure LORD VASSAL SERF SERF