Feudal System

The feudal system was a social and economic structure prevalent in medieval Europe, where society was organized around relationships derived from the holding of land. Kings granted land to powerful nobles (lords) in exchange for loyalty and military service. In turn, these lords would offer portions of their land to vassals (lesser lords or knights) who would serve them. Peasants or serfs worked the land, providing food and labor in exchange for protection and a place to live. This hierarchical system emphasized mutual obligations, with each level of society depending on the one above it for security and resources.