Feudal Society  Feudalism was a political system that came about around 800 A.D.  Political power was based on land ownership  tradition started when kings gave their soldiers fiefs as a reward for hard work

GroupsDuty Clergyteach Christianity NoblesGovern, enforce laws, and protect people PeasantsSupport the clergy and nobles by farming land and providing services Feudal Society: Three Groups

The Rise of Feudal Territories  Europe had no central government  The kings were very weak rulers  Nobles became more powerful and independent rulers

The Rise of Feudal Territories  Nobles gained rights to collect taxes and enforce laws for land they owned  Around 900, nobles took duty of protecting lands and people from Vikings.  Peasants wanted protection, so they gave up their lands and promised to work in fields TAXES

The Rise of Feudal Territories  By 1000, kingdoms in Europe were divided into thousands of feudal territories  had no central city  noble land owners held all the power  Most people remained in the group which they were born in; believed God wanted it that way

Lord and Vassal  Feudalism was based on ties of loyalty and duty among nobles  Nobles were both lords and vassals  Vassals would swear loyalty and service to a lord in return of protection I give protection I give loyalty and service LORD VASSAL

Act of Homage  Act of Homage was conducted to officially tie a lord to his vassal  Lord gave vassal a fief and the right to govern the people who live on the land  Lord promised to protect vassal and the people he governed against attack

Vassal’s Duty  Vassal had certain duties  Help lord in battle  Make payments to lord  Attend the lord’s court  When vassal died, his fief passed to oldest son who performed act of homage

Supplemental Videos  Dennis the Peasant Dennis the Peasant  Brain Pop Feudalism Brain Pop Feudalism  Horrible Histories Viking Ballad “Literally” Horrible Histories Viking Ballad “Literally”