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Feudalism began between the 8th and 9th centuries. It was first recognized in France, and later spread to most countries of Western Europe. When Charlemagne died there was no strong ruler to take his place. That was when feudalism was established as the main system of government and way of life in Medieval Europe. Europe was politically divided. It was hit by several invasions of the Vikings, the Magyars, Muslim pirates, and others. People could no longer look to a central ruler for protection. They had to seek the protectio
n of the lords, who had armies of their own. Vassals pledged to pay the ransom for their lord in the event of his capture during war. Military service was their main obligation. When a lord's oldest daughter married, the vassal made special payments as a gift. The lord in turn, had obligations to his vassals. Vassals also owed payments called aids on certain occasions. Some were as big as a country or providence. To expand ones power and wealth, lords would make alliances with other nobles. Some were single estates just big enough for a knight and his family. Before receiving the fief, the son had to pay a fee called a relief. The vassals promised the lord military services. The amount of payment all depended on the size of the fief. Also, a vassal's son usually inherited his father's responsibility to serve and pay aids. He promised the vassal protection and could not deny the vassal's claim to the fief.
Common topics in this essay:
Magyars Muslim,
Europe Charlemagne,
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Europe Europe,
Word Count,
vassals promised,
fief lord,
military services,
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