What is a simple definition of feudalism?

A simple definition of feudalism is the system where a landowner (the lord) gave a fief (a piece of land) in return for a payment or promise of service from the person who received it (the vassal). The lord also promised to protect the vassal.

What is the main idea of feudalism?

The main idea of feudalism was that land was given in return for service. Consequently, lords had people (vassals) who could fight for them and the vassal had the protection of the lord. This relationship was based on loyalty.

Why did Feudalism decline?

Feudalism declined because society became more complex and the relationship between lords and vassals became less direct. Other reasons for a decline in feudalism were the fall in the population and the increasing use of money to pay for things rather than a promise of service.

Feudalism Timeline

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Definition

Feudalism was the system in 10th-13th century European medieval societies where a social hierarchy was established based on local administrative control and the distribution of land into units (fiefs). A landowner (lord) gave a fief, along with a promise of military and legal protection, in return for a payment of some kind from the person who received it (vassal).

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