The Development of Feudalism in Western Europe

This set of flashcards contains key vocabulary and important concepts related to the development of feudalism in Western Europe.

Feudalism

A system of government based on land ownership and loyalty.

Fief

A piece of land given by a lord to a vassal.

Vassal

Someone who pledged loyalty to a lord.

Serf

A peasant who worked and lived on a lord’s land.

Chivalry

The knight’s code of honorable behavior.

Manor

The lord’s estate or large farm.

Homage

A vassal’s oath of loyalty to a lord.

Charlemagne

A ruler who expanded the Frankish Empire and promoted education and Christianity.

Knights

Warriors who protected the land and followed their lords.

Norman Conquest

The 1066 invasion of England by William the Conqueror that strengthened feudalism.

The Fall of Rome

The collapse of the Roman Empire around 476 CE, leading to chaos and lawlessness.

The Manor System

A system where manors were self-sufficient estates owned by lords, with roles for serfs, peasants, and lords.