What was the basic structure of the feudal system?
The feudal system was structured in a hierarchical manner with the king at the top, followed by nobles, knights, and peasants at the bottom.
How did a king grant land in the feudal system?
A king granted land (fiefs) to his nobles in exchange for military service and loyalty.
Who were serfs in the feudal system?
Serfs were agricultural laborers bound to the land they worked on, owned by a lord.
What role did knights play in the feudal system?
Knights provided military service to their lords in return for land or protection.
What is a vassal in the context of feudalism?
A vassal was a person who received land from a lord and pledged loyalty and service in return.
Define a fief in the feudal system.
A fief was a piece of land given by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and service.
What duties did a lord have to their vassals?
Lords provided protection and judicial rights to their vassals, along with the land granted to them (fiefs).
How was the feudal system beneficial for a medieval king?
The feudal system allowed a king to maintain control over large territories through loyal nobles and the military support they provided.
Why was land important in the feudal system?
Land was the primary source of wealth and power, serving as the basis for economic production and social status.
What was the "manor" in the context of a feudal system?
A manor was the lord's estate, including homes, villages, and surrounding lands worked by peasants and serfs.
How did the feudal system impact medieval Europe’s political stability?
The feudal system provided political stability by establishing clear hierarchies and mutual obligations, but also led to fragmentation into many small, autonomous feudal territories.
What is homage in the context of feudalism?
Homage was a ceremonial acknowledgement of a vassal's allegiance to a lord in the feudal society.
How did military technology influence the feudal system?
Advancements like the horse and armor reinforced the role of knights and necessitated land grants to support these costly resources.
What led to the decline of the feudal system?
The growth of centralized monarchies, economic expansion, and external invasions contributed to the decline of feudalism.
Explain the concept of "fealty" in the feudal system.
Fealty was the loyalty sworn by a vassal to their lord, promising service and allegiance.