Feudal Society: Structure, Roles, and Daily Life
Feudal Social Structure
In medieval society, laws did not apply equally to everyone. Society was divided into two main groups: the privileged classes (nobility and clergy) and the non-privileged classes (peasants and artisans). The privileged classes enjoyed numerous rights and few duties, while the non-privileged classes had many duties and limited rights. At the apex of the feudal system stood the monarch, recognized as the primus inter pares (Latin for ‘first among equals’).
The Three Estates
It was believed that society, God’s house on Earth, was fundamentally one but divided into three estates, each with a specific purpose:
- Those who pray: The Clergy
- Those who fight: The Nobility
- Those who work: The Peasants and Artisans
These three estates were interdependent; the activity of one allowed the other two to live.
Privileged Classes (First and Second Estates)
- Characteristics: Owned the majority of land (fiefdoms), were exempt from manual labor, and lived off rents and dues from their lands.
- Nobility: Their primary role was military – to go to war and defend the kingdom.
- Clergy: Dedicated themselves to prayer, religious services, and administration.
Non-Privileged Class (Third Estate)
- Characteristics: Comprised peasants and artisans. They had few rights and bore the burden of high taxes.
The Monarchy
The position of the monarch was considered sacred. Royal territories were viewed as personal possessions, which the monarch could divide or unite as desired. However, the monarch shared power with high-ranking nobles, such as counts, dukes, and marquesses.
Fiefdoms and Feudal Lords
A fiefdom was a grant of land given to a vassal by the king or a higher-ranking noble. While it could not be sold, it could be passed down to the vassal’s descendants.
Within their fiefdom, lords held significant power:
Rights of Feudal Lords
- To establish rules and laws.
- To judge peasants and impose fines.
- To levy taxes and tolls.
- Full judicial authority within their fiefdom.
Duties of Feudal Lords
- To protect the population under their control.
- To ensure food supply during famines.
- To provide seeds and farming tools when necessary.
A fiefdom typically consisted of two main parts: the lord’s demesne (the best lands, including the castle, kept for the lord’s own use) and the lands cultivated by the peasants.
Life of the Peasants
Peasants generally lived in small villages or on isolated farms. They worked the land from sunrise to sunset. Their lives were often monotonous, dictated by the agricultural seasons.
Types of Peasants
There were two main categories:
- Free Peasants: Owned their own land (holdings) and were not legally tied to a specific lord. They had the freedom to marry, leave the fiefdom, and engage in trades.
- Serfs: Were bound to the lord’s land and lacked personal freedom. They required the lord’s permission to leave the land, marry, or pass on an inheritance.
Duties of Serfs
- To work for a set number of days each year on the lord’s demesne and maintain the castle.
- To give the lord a portion of their harvest.
Daily Life and Work
Peasant life involved strenuous labor, and most were very poor. The entire family participated in farm work. Men typically handled the more demanding tasks like ploughing, reaping, pruning, and felling trees. Women assisted with the harvest, tended vegetable gardens, and cared for poultry. Agricultural techniques and tools were rudimentary, resulting in low yields. To prevent soil exhaustion, they practiced crop rotation, initially using a two-field system and later adopting a three-field system, which involved leaving part of the land fallow (unplanted) each year. Key crops included cereals (for bread), legumes (beans, chickpeas), vines, and olive trees, alongside vegetables and fruit trees.
The Role of the Church
The Church played a central role in regulating social life during the medieval period.
Influence on Daily Life
The church building was the most important structure in any village or city. Church bells marked the rhythm of daily life, announcing times for prayer, warning of dangers, and summoning residents for meetings. The Church organized essential ceremonies marking major life events, such as baptisms, marriages, and funerals. It also established the calendar of religious holidays, including Christmas and Easter.
Religious Duties and Practices
Christians were expected to fulfill their religious obligations, practice charity, and lead a virtuous life. Pilgrimages to holy sites like Rome, Jerusalem, and Santiago de Compostela were encouraged.
Efforts for Peace
The Church actively sought to mitigate the violence prevalent in society. Through the ‘Peace of God‘, it imposed penalties on knights who attacked non-combatants or clergy. The ‘Truce of God‘ aimed to suspend warfare during specific periods, typically from Thursday to Sunday each week and during religious seasons.