Medieval Culture in the Middle Ages

Key Systems: Feudalism and Manorialism

• Feudalism: A political and legal system where land was exchanged for military service

  • Hierarchy:
    • King/Queen: Owned all land
    • Vassals: Received land (fiefs) from the king in exchange for military support
      • Levels of Vassals:
        • Nobles, Lords, Barons, Counts: Part of the aristocracy
        • Knights: Served the Lords
      • Vassals could be both servants and lords
  • Serfs/Peasants: Lowest class, worked the land
  • Feudal Contract: Ceremony where vassals pledged loyalty; Lords promised protection

• Manorialism: An economic and political system based on agricultural estates (manors)

  • Land Ownership & Control:
    • Granted by the king or lord
    • Only the wealthy aristocracy could own a manor
    • Title of "Lord of the Manor": Allowed presence in Royal Court
    • Nobles could collect taxes from workers
    • Payments often made through labor and trade
  • Manorial Features:
    • Land plots and villages for peasants
    • Monasteries: Built by monks for writing, studying, and praying

Differences between Feudalism and Manorialism

• Feudalism:
  • Political/legal framework
  • Focused on loyalty and military service between lords and vassals
• Manorialism:
  • Agricultural/economic framework
  • Focused on farming economy, land use, labor, and production