Feudalism- A poltical, military and economic system based on land-holding and protective a..iances 
In other words: 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" Known as serf 
The feudal pyramid 
-King 
-Vassals 
(Nobles and Bishops) 
- Knights- mounted warriors who recieved fiefs for defending their lords land 
- 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 paesant 
Peasants are poor and pay high taxes 
- Tax on grain and marriage 
- Church tax (tithe= 10% of their income) 
- they live in crowded cottages 
- live with animals and insects 
- Eat very simply 
- but dont worry- the church says this is your lot in life 
- God determines your place in society- so chill