Middle Ages

Middle Ages
Feudalism: a political, military, and economic system based on land-holding and protective alliances
The Feudal Pyramid
King
The most powerful Vassals (Nobles and Bishops)
Knights-mounted warriors who received fiefs for defending their lord's land
Pheasants (mostly Serfs) landless, powerless, moneyless, right-less, just working the land for "the man) (their lord)
Manor-the lord's estate
The lord's manor house
A church
Some workshops
15-30 families
All on a few square miles
Good news: it's self-sufficient community
Bad news: its harsh if you're a pheasant
Pheasants are poor and pay high taxes
Tax on grain
Tax on marriage
Church tax (tithe=10% of their income)
They lived in crowded cottages
Live with animals and insects
Eat very simply