Feudalism Audio

In a feudal system, people lived in fear of neighboring hills and sought protection from a leader in exchange for lifelong servitude. Trade was limited, and people had to produce everything themselves. The vassal had military and political obligations to the lord, including fighting in wars and providing advice and financial help. If the lord failed to protect the vassal, they could seek help from a stronger opponent. Violent conflicts were restricted during certain times of the year to minimize violence. Imagine that you live in an area where there are several hills. The people live in great fear of what the people on the next hill might do to them. They are hungry and tired, so they find a leader, and they promise him that if he will protect them, they will serve him the rest of their lives. As long as they are near the hill, they feel more secure, but they dare not travel beyond that hill. They become suspicious of outsiders, fearing strangers are trying to find a way to attack them. A few merchants may come with goods to sell, but how will they pay for the goods? What would happen to trade in the area? How would people eat? What would they wear? The people would have to produce everything themselves, wouldn't they? Since they could not get to outside goods, and goods could not get to them, they would have to learn to make their own. If you can imagine this, then you can understand the feudal system. The vassal, the one who wanted the help, came to the lord, the one who could give the help. And in return for protection, food, and clothing, the vassal would be the lord's servant for the rest of his or her life. The nobles were vassals of the king. The peasant was vassal to the nobleman. The king had authority over the nobles, but could not give orders to the peasant, who was the noble's servant. The exception to that rule was in England. The land the noble received from the king was called a fiefdom. If you were my vassal, what kinds of power did I have over you? I would have military power over you. I could expect you to fight for me. If I were the one attacked, you would serve without pay for as long as necessary. If I were the one attacking, then you would be my soldier for six weeks. After that, I would have to pay all your expenses. Even when there was no war, I could call on you to guard my castle occasionally. You might have to give political service. If I wanted you to come to my castle for your advice on any subject, like war, marriage, or anything else, you must come. I could also expect your financial help if I were going to fight a crusade or get married. When your father died, then you would have to pay for the right to continue as my vassal. If you were a girl, then you would need my permission to marry. You would also need my approval to give any land to the church. If I failed to protect you as I promised, then you could protest to my lord, if I had one. If I were the king and had no lord, then you might ask for the help of someone strong enough to oppose me. If they succeeded in defying me, they would become your new lord and protector. If you did not live up to your obligations, I could try you in a court made up of my other vassals. If you were found guilty, you would have to surrender your fiefdom. Wars were common, but there were rules against fighting from Friday through Sunday, from Thursday through Sunday of Holy Week, like Easter, and on certain holy days. There was usually no fighting during the winter or harvest. These limits helped reduce the violence.