The Feudal System In The Middle Ages

The Middle Ages, also known as the Dark Ages, was a difficult time period for many, struggling daily. All of the disease was unbearable, causing death each day to many people. The peasants, who were at the bottom of the feudal system, struggled the most with personal hygiene. The feudal system was basically how people were organized through social class in the Middle Ages, at the bottom being the poorest, and at the top being the richest. The three main groups consisting in the feudal system were kings, peasants, and knights. In the Middle Ages, not everybody was equal. Kings owned almost everyone and everything, Knights fought and received land in exchange, and the poor peasants lived a dreadful life each day. Kings were at the top

Peasants took care of the land for everybody (Alchin). They worked and lived in the estates of noblemen and knights, they farmed the land all through the changing seasons (Eastwood 5). In winter, wood was cut and fences were built by the peasants, they also had to maintain and fertilize the fields (Park 12). In the spring, “peasants plowed the fields and planted seeds into the ground”. These would grow and be harvested in the fall. They also took care of newborn livestock, such as baby lambs. In summer, wheat was harvested. The sheep were trimmed for their wool and the grass was cut for cattle feed. In fall oats were harvested, pigs were let free to fatten on acorns, and grapes were pressed to make wine (13). In every season, peasants worked very hard and received very little in exchange. Knights fought to protect the village and revived land in exchange. Knights came from high rankings family. If a knight performed well in battle, “they were granted land in exchange by a king”. The knight would swear allegiance to his lord - the Oath of Fealty. Fealty and homage were key elements of feudalism. The knight swore that he would fight for his manor to protect all and stay loyal. A Knight who proved valiant in battle could become wealthy. The most wealthy and powerful knights then joined the nobility