The Feudal System
The Feudal System in the Middle Ages was used in a
hierarchy. The order was the King,
Bishops, Barons, Lords and then Peasants or Serfs. Each citizen had to play a role in their
society to keep it running smoothly.
King
The King was the top leader. The King couldn’t control all the land so he divided it up between the barons. In return, the barons pledged loyalty and protection to the King. If the King died, his first born son would inherit the throne. A dynasty is when one family ruled for a long time.
Bishop
The bishop was the top church leader in the kingdom and managed a diocese. The Catholic Church was very powerful which put bishops in very high and powerful positions. The church received a donation of 10 percent from all the people which made bishops very rich.
Baron
Barons ruled large areas of land called fiefs. They were very powerful and reported directly to the King. The land they got from their King is divided to lands who ran individual manors. They had to maintain an army that protected the King. If they didn’t have an army, many times they would play the King a tax called shield money.
Lord
The lords ran local manors. They were also knights and could be called into battle by their barons. The lords owned everything on their land including the peasants, serfs crops and villages.
Peasants or Serfs
In the Middle Ages most people were peasants. They had a hard life. Some peasants were like slaves, they owned nothing and were pledged to their local lord. Others could buy their freedom. They could own their own business. The serfs barely had enough food to survive.
King
The King was the top leader. The King couldn’t control all the land so he divided it up between the barons. In return, the barons pledged loyalty and protection to the King. If the King died, his first born son would inherit the throne. A dynasty is when one family ruled for a long time.
Bishop
The bishop was the top church leader in the kingdom and managed a diocese. The Catholic Church was very powerful which put bishops in very high and powerful positions. The church received a donation of 10 percent from all the people which made bishops very rich.
Baron
Barons ruled large areas of land called fiefs. They were very powerful and reported directly to the King. The land they got from their King is divided to lands who ran individual manors. They had to maintain an army that protected the King. If they didn’t have an army, many times they would play the King a tax called shield money.
Lord
The lords ran local manors. They were also knights and could be called into battle by their barons. The lords owned everything on their land including the peasants, serfs crops and villages.
Peasants or Serfs
In the Middle Ages most people were peasants. They had a hard life. Some peasants were like slaves, they owned nothing and were pledged to their local lord. Others could buy their freedom. They could own their own business. The serfs barely had enough food to survive.