Feudalism
Byzantine Empire
Structure of Feudalism
Feudalism comes into the 8th century. Such men need to be provided for Feudalism. In medieval Europe the system is more complex. A pyramid of loyalty was created, in which each man except at the very top and bottom was a vassal to one lord and a lord to several vassals. In ancient Sparta, where all free men are warriors, the support comes from the defeated and enslaved peasants of Messenia, known as the helots.
The Role of the Manor System
The manorial system was essentially a local institution, and general statements concerning it were a subject to exceptions. On the typical domain was the manor house of the lord. Some of the land he retained for his own use.Small local industry was also a function of the manorial system, and dues owed the estate could include such items as cloth, building materials, and ironware.The payments made by serf and villein varied with the locality. There were usually fixed dues paid at certain times of the year.The manor was an administrative and political unit. There were manorial courts, and the lord or his agent presided over the administration of justice.