Feudal System in Europe

The feudal system in Europe was a hierarchical social and economic structure during the Middle Ages, primarily based on land ownership and loyalty. At the top were kings who owned all the land. They granted large portions of land called fiefs to nobles or lords in exchange for military service and loyalty. These lords, in turn, granted smaller land parcels to knights or vassals, who also pledged loyalty. Peasants or serfs worked the land for the lords, producing food and goods. This system created a structured society where each level depended on the others through mutual obligations and protections.