History glossary
Feudalism
a medieval system of land, loyalty, and obligation linking lords, vassals, knights, and peasants.
- Category
- Social and political system
- Region
- Medieval Europe
What it means
Feudalism is a broad modern term for medieval relationships built around landholding, protection, military service, and social hierarchy. It varied by place and time, but it helps explain how power worked in much of medieval Europe.
Related terms
Stories using this term
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