FEUDALISM AND THE MANORIALISM
During the early part of the Middle Ages, kings were too weak to keep invaders out of their
kingdoms. People began to leave towns and cities, banding together in the countryside for
protection and survival.
Everyone had a well-defined place in medieval society. People were born into their social
positions, and there was little chance of moving beyond them.
The nobility consisted of the kings and queens, greater lords, lesser lords, and knights. The elite
class of nobles controlled the land and power.
The lower class of peasants, who made up the bulk of the population, worked the land and
served the nobles.
The clergy was highly respected, due to the fact that the Christian Church dominated life during
the Middle Ages
