Fedalism

Feudalism

A system where rulers and warriors made agreements, like Charles the Simple granting Vikings land in Normandy, leading to a hierarchy of relationships between kings, lords, vassals, knights, and serfs.

Serf

Individuals bound to the land they were born on, not slaves but unable to leave, obligated to provide the lord with the produce of their work.

Fief

Land granted by a lord to a vassal, who in turn pledges loyalty to the lord through an oath of fealty, forming the basis of the feudal system.

Knight

Mounted horsemen who provide military service to lords or kings in exchange for a fief, playing a crucial role in protecting the realm.

Vassal

Someone who pledges loyalty to a lord in exchange for a fief, serving the lord and upholding the feudal obligations within the system.