Origins of Feudalism
This system organized medieval society in Europe after the 9th century.
Feudalism
The person at the top of the feudal hierarchy.
The king
What was the name of the lord’s land?
The fief / manor
Medieval society was divided into these three main groups.
Nobility, clergy, and peasants
Muslims entered the Iberian Peninsula in this century.
8th century
These invaders came from Scandinavia and attacked coastal areas of Europe.
Vikings / Normans
What did nobles receive from the king in exchange for loyalty and military help?
Land / fiefs
The part of the fief worked directly for the lord was called this.
Demesne
What was the name of peasants who were not free to leave the land?
Serfs
Why did many peasants move to cities in the High Middle Ages?
To find work, opportunities, trade, or more freedom.
Explain one reason why feudalism developed in Europe.
Europe was unsafe because of invasions and weak kings needed help from nobles.
What was “auxilium” in the feudal system?
Military help given by vassals to the king.
Name one important crop in the feudal economy.
Grain, olives, grapes, etc.
Explain one privilege enjoyed by nobles or clergy.
They did not pay taxes and had political power.
Name one important medieval profession found in cities.
Merchant, banker, craftsman, lawyer, etc.
Why did kings lose power during feudalism?
Because nobles controlled lands, castles, knights, and local power.
Explain the relationship between a lord and a vassal.
The vassal promised loyalty and military service, while the lord gave protection and land.
Why were peasants dependent on the lord inside the fief?
Because they needed his land, protection, mills, ovens, and tools to survive.
Explain one difference between nobles and serfs in medieval society.
Nobles had privileges and power, while serfs worked the land and paid taxes.
Why did cities become important again after the 11th century?
Because trade and economic activity increased.
Explain how invasions helped create the feudal system in Europe.
Kings could not defend their territories alone, so they gave land to nobles in exchange for military protection.
Why was feudal power considered fragmented?
Because many nobles controlled their own lands and armies instead of the king having total authority.
Explain how the three-field rotation system improved agriculture.
It allowed land to recover and increased food production.
Why was medieval society considered a “closed society”?
Because it was very difficult to change social class or social order.
Explain one difference between life in cities and life in feudal manors.
Cities had more trade and freedom, while manors were based on agriculture and dependence on lords.