Key Concepts of the Feudal System

Feudal system

Social structure based on land ownership and service.

Knight

Mounted warrior serving a lord in exchange for land.

Crusades

Religious wars aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land.

Castle

Fortified residence for nobility and defense.

Black Death

Devastating plague killing millions in the 14th century.

Manor

Self-sufficient estate of a lord and serfs.

Guild

Association of craftsmen or merchants for mutual benefit.

Cathedral

Large, important church serving as a bishop's seat.

Heraldry

System of symbols representing families or individuals.

Monastery

Religious community where monks live and worship.

Viking

Norse seafarers known for exploration and raids.

Charlemagne

King who united much of Western Europe in the 9th century.

Fief

Land granted to a vassal in exchange for service.

Pilgrimage

Journey to a sacred place for religious reasons.

Chivalry

Code of conduct for knights emphasizing bravery and honor.

Scribe

Person who copies documents, often in medieval times.

Pope

Head of the Roman Catholic Church and spiritual leader.

Serf

Peasant bound to work on a lord's estate.

Jester

Entertainer in royal courts, often using humor.

Bubonic Plague

Infectious disease causing widespread mortality in Europe.

Vassal

Noble who serves a lord in exchange for land.

Stocks

Device for public punishment of minor offenders.