Feudal System of Vassalage:

• Government breakdowns: nobles controlling large regions
• Warriors swore an oath of loyalty
• Vassals: military service/lands granted to vassals
• Public ceremony: act of homage
• Knights dominated European warfare

Fief-Holding:

• Fief: land granted to a vassal
• Vassals kept local order/constructed castles
• Subinfeudation: complicated relationship of vassalage
• Hereditary fiefs: primogeniture

Manorial System:

• Manor: agricultural estate owned by lord
• Serfs: peasants tied to the lord's land
• Labor/rent: worked lord's demesne (construction/maintenance)
  Paid portion of all produced to lord
• Church collected tithe (10% of produce)