Vassalage: an interpersonal system of exchange

1
Vassalage an interpersonal system of exchange

• Lords and Vassals
• The Feudal Contract
• The oath of fealty
• Fiefs and benefices
• Scutage
• Honor
• Subinfeudation

Swearing fealty to the king
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2
Manorialismthe Economic Side of Feudalism

• The fief as foundation
• Manor
• Defense walls and moat
• Within the walls workshops, bakery, mill
• The chapel
• Desmene
• Serfs

The Duc de Berrys fief
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3
Manorialism, cont.

• Technological advances, 500-1100 C.E.
• Invention of the heavy plow
• Introduction of the rigid horse collar
• Application of 3-field rotation

The medieval heavy plow, ca. 1100
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4
Technological advances, cont.
Wheat Barley or another soil-draining crop Fallow
Wheat Barley or another soil-draining crop Light crops, such as clover Fallow
The transition from a 2-field to a 3-field
rotation
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