Feudalism: political, military, and economic system based on land-holding and protective alliances
- based on loyalty to people who can help
Lord (rich) / vassals (helpers)

- kings
- vassals
- nobles bishops
- knights
- fiefs
- peasants (serfs)

Manor: lord's estate
- manor house
- church
- workshops
- 15-30 families
- few square miles

- self sufficient community
- harsh for peasant