FEUDALISM

Etymology

The term 'feudalism' originates from the Latin word 'feudum,' meaning 'fee' or 'fief.'

Definition

Feudalism was a system of political organization prevalent in Europe from the 9th to the 15th centuries, characterized by the relationship between lords and vassals with land held in fee. It involved peasants working the land in exchange for protection and a portion of their produce.

Historical Context

Feudalism was a historiographic construct designating the social, economic, and political conditions in western Europe during the early Middle Ages. It was a hierarchical system where land was held by vassals in exchange for military service and labor.

Cultural Significance

Feudalism shaped the social structure and power dynamics of medieval Europe, defining the relationships between nobles, vassals, and peasants. It influenced the distribution of wealth, power, and land ownership during that period.

Related Concepts

Feudalism is often associated with serfdom, manorialism, and the feudal pyramid, illustrating the complex network of obligations and dependencies within the feudal system.

See Also

• Serfdom
• Manorialism
• Middle Ages