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Feudalism Vs Manorialism

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Right after the “Fall of Rome” in 476 C.E., attacks from the Germanic tribes caused chaos all over the Roman Empire. The commoners sought protection which they received in exchange for produce. This exchange later developed into a system that included fiefs, contracts between peasants and their lords, which was then called feudalism (Feudalism Britannica). Feudalism was practiced on manors, land that met all the necessary needs of the people living on it, where it was called manorialism (Manorialism Britannica). Through feudalism and manorialism, a new era known as the Middle Ages emerged. Although historians may argue that feudalism handed ultimate authority to the elite, who could effortlessly manipulate their superiority, it established a safe, stable and organized society and strengthened the social structure militarily and politically. It benefitted all: the poor received protection and land while the powerful acquired military service and produce with the help of manors and fiefs. This system also secured stability, power and close control within the society. …show more content…

Bishop Fulbert of Charters writes to the Duke of Aquitanians, William about the feudal obligations between a vassal and his lord. Fulbert declares; “He who swears fealty to his lord ought always to have these six things in memory; what is harmless, safe, honorable, useful, easy, practicable.”(Internet Medieval Sourcebook, 23/24). The bishop conveys that a vassal has to always follow the six rules around his lord. This proves that there was order in the system itself and that the lord who provided his land for others to cultivate, benefitted from this kind of

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