The Feudal System

The feudal system was how people lived in Europe long ago. It was used during the Middle Ages, from about 900 to 1400 CE. The system was like a giant ladder with the king at the top. Each person had their own job and place in society. This helped keep things in order during dangerous times.

How It Worked

The king owned all the land in his kingdom. He gave big pieces of land to nobles called lords. In return, the lords promised to fight for the king when needed. The lords then gave smaller pieces of land to knights and farmers. Everyone had duties to the person above them.

Life for Peasants

Most people in the feudal system were peasants. They worked on the land owned by a lord. Peasants grew food and gave some of it to the lord. In return, the lord promised to protect them from enemies. Life was hard for peasants, and they could not usually leave their village.

Fun Facts

• Peasants who had no freedom were called serfs.
• Knights had to serve their lord for about 40 days each year.
• The feudal system slowly ended after the Black Death killed many workers.

Did You Know?

In the feudal system, even the king had duties to his people, and kings who broke their promises could sometimes be removed by the nobles.