Today we took notes

Feudalism: a political, military and economic system based on land-holding and protective alliances

-the system is based on personal loyalty to people who can help you

Rich Dude (Lord): " I own land; I need people to help me work it and defend it"

Tough Dudes (Vassals): " There are a lot of us, we can help the rich dudes hold on to their land.

The Feudal Pyramid

King

   The most powerful Vassals

               (Nobles and Bishops)

    Knights- mounted warriors who

    received Fiefs for defending their lord's

      Lands

Peasants (mostly Serfs)

Landless, powerless, moneyless, rights-less

Just working the land for "the man" (their lord)

Manor: the lord's estate

-the lord's manor house

-a church

-some workshops

-15-30 families

-all on a few square miles

Good news: it's a self- sufficient community

Bad News: it's harsh if you’re a peasant

Peasants are poor and pay high taxes

• Tax on grain
• Tax on marriage
• Church tax (tithe= 10% of their income)

-they live in crowded cottages

-live with animals and insects

-eat very simply

-but don’t worry- the church says this is your lot in life

-God determines your place in society- so chill