The Rise of Feudalism and the Social Hierarchy Life in the Middle Ages The Rise of Feudalism and the Social Hierarchy

The Rise of Feudalism After the fall of the Frankish Empire, Europe was again split among many different kingdoms and lived under constant threat of attacks and wars. By about the year 1000, a new system develops that meets their needs both economically and politically, as well as keeping people safe from attack. The power went to the people who controlled the land. Feudalism is a system of organizing and governing society based on land and service.

Feudalism The feudal system was a system of power and economic systems across the regions. Landowners were nobles and they gave a share of land, called a fief, to each of their vassals. Vassals promised to follow the landowners laws and fight for him. Vassals were expected to raise and lead armies that would fight for the lord. They also paid taxes to the lord in a percentage of crops that were raised on their fief.

The Manor System Manors were the government and economy at a local level. To govern the land and protect it from invaders, the lord needed his own soldiers, supplies and fortified castles. A manor was a large estate that included farm fields, pastures, a mill, a village, and a large house or manor.

Feudal Social Hierarchy

Feudal Social Hierarchy King Nobles, lords, barons Vassals, knights Serfs or peasants