1. “Feudal System” - troublesome concept
9th-10th c. Growth of militarised ruling
class and servile peasant class (serfs)
miles = chevalier = knight
beneficium/feudum = fief
homo (man) fidelis (faithful man) vassal

2. Characteristics of the Feudal System
1. Basic function: co-operation in war
2. Castle guard motte and bailey
3. Obligation of counsel
4. Duty of aid
5. Duty of hospitality

3. Characteristics of the Feudal System
6. Transmission of fiefs
primogeniture relief escheat
7. Wardship and marriage
8. Mutual moral obligations defy
9. Ceremony liege homage

4. manorial/seignorial system
mansus (manor)
steward
bailiff

5. Characteristics of the Manorial/Seignorial System
1. Rents and taxes: demesne
2. The lives of serfs
3. Lordly jurisdiction
Classes of peasants: servus (slave/serf)
lidus (semi-free)
colonus (free)