Feudalism's Structure and Origins in Medieval Europe

Feudalism: Origins and Structure

The origin of feudalism arose after the death of Charlemagne and the subsequent invasions by Muslims, Normans, and Hungarians, coupled with struggles among his successors. Nobles acted as landowners, while peasants remained unprotected due to an inadequate army. This environment gave rise to feudalism and the establishment of feudal lords.

The Feudal Estate

Estates were large tracts of land owned by a noble or ecclesiastical fiefdom. Within these fiefdoms, the feudal lord held significant power, including the ability to:

• Collect taxes
• Rule the land
• Administer justice

Feudal Social Division

Society was strictly divided:

• Privileged Classes: Nobles and churchmen.
• Labor Force: Peasants, whose work supported the nobles and clergy.

The Feudal Monarchy

In the feudal monarchy, the king stood at the apex of society; though not elected, his position was considered sacred. Below him were the noble and ecclesiastical fiefdom owners who swore allegiance to the king.

Limitations on Royal Power

The king's power was limited; he only held full authority within his own fiefdom. In the rest of the kingdom, he retained certain prerogatives:

• Being the head of the army.
• Collecting taxes.
• Dispensing justice, though this was limited, as the judge could not intervene in the fiefs of his vassals or churches.

Kings maintained their own court, composed of nobles, clergy, servants, and warriors. They also had the Curia Regia, or Royal Council, which included governors.

The Fief

A fief is an extension of land ceded by the king or a noble of higher rank to a feudal lord.

Divisions of Land within the Manor

Inside the manor, the land was clearly divided:

1. The Demesne: Land reserved for the lord's own use, where the mansion stood.
2. The Meek: Land ceded to the peasants, who were required to pay an income in the form of produce.

The feudal lord held extensive powers over the inhabitants of the fief, including the authority to issue orders, establish laws, try cases, and punish offenders.

Feudal Society and Agriculture

The vast majority of the population consisted of illiterate peasants who were not free and depended entirely on the feudal lord. They practiced biennial rotation of crops, primarily growing cereals, legumes, vines, onions, lettuce, and fruit trees.

Organization of the Church

Christians were organized into parishes, which were grouped into dioceses. The clergy hierarchy included Bishops, priests, pastors, with the Pope at the very top.

The Church's Influence

The Church was an institution of immense wealth, possessing vast fiefs. Its subjects paid the tithe as a tax. The church served as the central building in any village or town. Monasteries were also established; these complexes provided resources for peasants and serfs to work, and importantly, they were centers where literary texts were copied, preserved, and where people were taught to read.

The Medieval City

Medieval cities were typically enclosed within protective walls. These concentrated unique buildings such as hospitals, schools, and homes, and often included orchards.

Urban Conditions

Hygiene was poor, and the lack of sewers allowed diseases to spread easily.