- In other words, the system is based on personal loyalty to people who can help you.
TOUGH DUDES (VASSALS): "There are a lot of is, we can help the rich duded hold on to their land."
The Feudal Pyramid
- Top: KING
- The most powerful VASSALS (NOBLES and BISHOPS)
- KNIGHTS- mounted warriors who received FIEFS for defending their lord's land
- Bottom: PEASANTS (mostly SERFS) landless, powerless, moneyed, rights-less. Just working the land for "the man" (their lord)
MIND YOUR MANERS
- Manor: the lord's estate
- The lord's manor house
- A church
- Some workshops
- 15-30 families
- All on a few square miles
- Good news: It's a self-sufficient community
- Bad news: it's harsh if you're a peasant
HOW HARSH WAS IT?
- Peasants are poor AND pay high taxes
- Tax on grain
- Tax on marriage
- Church tax (tithe = 10% of their income)
- They live in crowded cottages
- Live with animals and insects (for warmth; they did their business in your house)
- Eat VERY simply
- But don't worry - the Church says this is your lot in life
- God determines your place in society - so chill
Quote of the Day: "Let us all meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love." -Mother Teresa
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