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Feudalism is often misunderstood and simplified to a system of lords and vassals, but it's more nuanced than this. The term itself is a construct used by later historians and doesn't reflect the dynamic nature of the system, which varied greatly across Europe and over time.
Starting from around the 9th century, with the Carolingian Empire's decay, power began to decentralize. Local lords gained strength as protectors of land, evolving into the feudalistic model. Primogeniture, the practice of inheritance by the oldest son, became prominent and led to fewer conflicts over succession and more stable land ownership.
Vassalage meant a complex set of mutual obligations. While vassals were expected to provide military service, counsel, and sometimes ransom for their lord, they also received protection, justice, and the right to exploit lands to which they were granted tenure. At the peak of feudalism, it wasn't only about power but also the intricate social ties and allegiances.
The Church also played a significant role. Monasteries owned vast tracts of land and were often part of the feudal hierarchy. Papal influence meant that feudal disputes could sometimes be settled by ecclesiastical court, adding another layer of complexity.
Feudalism began to decline with the rise of centralized monarchies, mercantilism, and other socio-political changes, but its impact on European history is undeniable, forming the foundation of medieval society.
Submitted 11 months, 2 weeks ago by FeudalisticMind
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It's also worth discussing how feudalism was adapted or rejected in different regions beyond its European heartland. Looking at how the Byzantine Empire, which survived the fall of the Western Roman Empire, interacted with feudal-like elements could offer some fascinating contrasts. Also, the debate on whether certain Eastern European, Scandinavian, or even Asian territories adopted similar feudal institutions is ongoing.
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Excellent points on the complexity of feudalism. It’s important to note that feudalism wasn't only a social and military system, but it also had its own legal framework, often defined by customary laws that varied regionally. The intricacies of manorialism—an economic system tied to feudalism where peasants were dependent on their lord's land—are often overlooked as well. Furthermore, the concept of feudalism we have today is largely a construct of legal scholars of the 16th and 17th centuries, like Jean Bodin.
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I think a lot of people forget feudalism wasn't the same everywhere. Like, in England it had a different flavor compared to how it was in France or the Holy Roman Empire. Local customs really shaped how it all worked out. Also, wasn't it Lyon that had like, super complex feudal contracts?