The want of uniformity makes some writers Speak of feudalism instead of a feudal system.

A study of feudal society in different countries shows that conditions were not the same everywhere, though the main principles were almost the same in all countries. Industry and trade had suffered much during barbarian Invasions, and it was difficult to sell goods and have each.įeudalism was comprehensive in its range, but it lacked regularity and-uniformity. Feudalism was developed at a time when land was the only source of wealth and power. The word feudalism is derived from the Latin word feudum, which means a fief or piece of land held by a vassal. The nobleman in return secured services and payments from those whom he protected.įeudalism was an organization of society through the medium of land. Those who needed protection secured it from a nobleman, who had his own army and retainers. It was a condition of society based on the principle of protection, service, and payments. Protection and Service:įeudalism was an important feature of medieval European civilization. This Topic about Feudalism in Europe.įeudalism, also called feudal system or feudality, French féodalité, historiographic construct designating the social, economic, and political conditions in western Europe during the early Middle Ages, the long stretch of time between the 5th and 12th centuries.

It can be broadly defined as a system for structuring society around relationships derived from the holding of land, known as a fiefdom or fief, in exchange for service or labour. Feudalism was a set of legal and military customs in medieval Europe that flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries.

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