Feudalism
Byzantine Empire
Structure of Feudalism
Feudalism was a social system that existed in Europe during the Middle Ages in which people worked and fought for nobles who gave them protection and the use of land in return. It was made up of the king, lords, knights, and serfs. The king was at the top. He had all the land.
Next was the nobles. The king gave land to the nobles that were loyal to him. Nobles were also called lords. Nobles had to raise an army of knights and soldiers.
Next was the knights. They received land from the nobles. the knights also had to defend the lord and his lands.
Last were the serfs. They were the lowest class. They were not slaves but the lord had absolute control over them.
The Manor System
This was the smallest unit of government of Feudalism. In this system peasants worked for the landlord. The peasants could be punished. Every manor had a lord who was over everyone (peasants).