medieval feudalism

Medieval feudalism was a social and economic system that dominated Europe from the 9th to the 15th century. It was based on a hierarchy of land ownership and personal loyalty. Kings granted land, or fiefs, to nobles (lords) in exchange for military service. In return, lords provided protection to vassals (lesser nobility or knights) who worked the land and managed peasants (serfs) who lived on it. This created a structured society where obligations were exchanged for land, security, and sustenance, shaping local governance and community life during the Middle Ages.