Medieval Life

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Feudalism

social structure

lords & vassals

mutual obligation

large govs break down -> castles & lords spring up everywhere!

vassals paid lords for protection & help in court

fiefs became hereditary

vassals had no heirs, lords got land back

Medieval Hierarchy

some places, barons = knights

not a reality

kings only controlled immediate territory

took resources, men, loyalty, and work.

Charlemagne perfect example of itinerant kingship

Peasants

villeins & serfs

60% of pop. in western Europe were serfs during the 800s

under lords control

needed permission to marry, leave, manorial court