féodalité

Féodalité was a social and economic system in medieval Europe where land was the main source of wealth and power. Landowners, called lords, granted portions of their land to vassals (knights or lesser nobles) in exchange for loyalty and military service. The vassals managed the land and collected resources, while peasants or serfs worked the land for the vassals, providing goods and labor. This relationships-based hierarchy created a structured society where mutual obligations maintained stability and order during medieval times.