Feudalism
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe entered a fascinating time known as the Middle Ages, which lasted from around 500 to 1500 CE. During this period, a unique social system called feudalism emerged, which helped organize society in a new way. In feudalism, kings were the highest rulers and they granted large pieces of land to powerful lords. These lords, in return, would give smaller portions of their land to knights, who promised to protect the lords and their lands through military service. At the bottom of this social structure were the peasants, also known as serfs. These hardworking individuals farmed the land and produced food, and in exchange, they received protection from the lords. To keep safe from invaders, many lords built impressive castles that served as strong fortresses, providing security for everyone living on their land. This system created a complex web of relationships that shaped life during the Middle Ages and influenced the future of Europe.
Context recap: After the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe entered a fascinating time known as the Middle Ages, which lasted from around 500 to 1500 CE. During this period, a unique social system called feudalism emerged, which helped organize society in a new way. In feudalism, kings were the highest rulers and they granted large pieces of land to powerful lords. These lords, in return, would give smaller portions of their land to knights, who promised to protect the lords and their lands through military service.