Feudal land tenure refers to a system of land ownership and distribution that prevailed in medieval Europe, particularly during the Middle Ages. It was a hierarchical and decentralized system where land was granted in exchange for military service or other obligations. It formed the basis of feudal society and was characterized by the relationship between lords and vassals.
Under this system, the king or ruler owned all the land and granted portions of it to nobles, knights, or other individuals known as vassals. These vassals, in turn, held the land as a fief or feudo, hence the term "feudal." The land was loaned to the vassal for their lifetime, but it did not belong to them outright. Instead, they were required to provide military support, perform certain services, or pay other dues to the lord who granted them the land.
Feudal land tenure was characterized by various forms of labor and obligations that the vassals were required to fulfill. This included military service, agricultural work, or the payment of rent, taxes, or other fees to their overlords. In return for their service, vassals were provided with protection and the right to live and work on the land they were granted.
The system fostered a hierarchical social structure where the king or ruler sat at the top, followed by the nobles and knights, and then the peasants who worked on the land. Feudal land tenure played a significant role in the organization of medieval society and economy, and its influence extended beyond Europe to other regions of the world.
