THE HIGH MIDDLE AGES (feudalism)

basic principle of feudalism

land in exchange for service

are noblemen lords, vassals, or both?

they can be both.

they can receive land from someone above them which would make them a VASSAL

and give land to people below them, thah makes then LORDS

theyre in the middle of the feudal chain

5 major tiers or gradations of nobility

1. king/queen

2. duke/duchess

3. marquess/marchioness

4. earl/countess

5. baron/baroness

why does feudalism often develop in different parts of the world?

because it just happens whenever a central government is weak or collapses so local lords and leaders have to take control to protect people and manage land

lord & vassal

lord: noble who has land and has power over it

vassal: someone who serves a lord and gets land in exchange

fief

a piece of land given to vassal from lord, could include fields, villages, and people who live there

homage

formal ceremony where a vassal publicly pledges loyalty to a lord

manor

large estate controlled by a lord, basic unit of life in feudal system

domain

the land that a lord personally controls and directly benefits from, especially the part of a manor they keep for themselves

court

the household and group of nobles, advisors, officials, and servants who surround a monarch or noble. where political decisions are made, ceremonies are held, and power is exercised.

“to hold court”

means to gather with followers, subjects, or nobles to make decisions and resolve disputes