Ever wondered how medieval societies were organized? Look no further than the feudal system! Imagine a pyramid: at the top, the king, owning all the land. He grants large chunks, or fiefs, to nobles (lords) in exchange for loyalty and military service. These lords, in turn, divided their land among lesser lords (vassals) who pledged the same.
At the bottom? Peasants (serfs), tied to the land and working for their lord in exchange for protection. This intricate web of obligations and allegiances was the glue holding medieval Europe together. While offering stability, it also solidified social hierarchies, limiting mobility and opportunity for those born into the lower classes. Think knights in shining armor, towering castles, and the everyday struggles of medieval life – all shaped by the feudal system!
