Feudalism in Europe

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, many were left without a strong government to oversee them.

This left the people unprotected from outside attacks, without resources like clean water and food surpluses, and no system of law.

Fief - grants of land.

Lord- Responsible for granting the fiefs to knights in exchange for protection.

Knight- A soldier who protected the manor in exchange for land, food, and safety. (Became a Vassal once an oath was made)

Peasant - A worker on the Manor

Serf - An unfree worker tied tot he land which they worked.

Manor - The entire property under the rule of the Lord or King/Queen. This included farm land, housing, shops, a castle or manor house, mill, blacksmith, and church.

This could be money (fees) for using the grain mill.

Fees when a woman was married.

Tallage taxes.

"Head money" fees for how many people were living in the home.