The decline of the royal authority, from the ninth century
onward, meant that the chief functions of government would be more and more
performed by the nobles, who were the great landowners of the kingdom. Under
Charlemagne these men had been the king's officials, appointed by him and
holding office at his pleasure. Under his successors they tended to become
almost independent princes. In proportion as this change was accomplished during
the Middle Ages, European society entered upon the stage of feudalism. [2]
[2] The word has nothing to do with "feuds,"
though these were common enough in feudal times. It comes from the medieval
Latin feudum, from which are desired the French fief and the
English fee.
PARALLELS TO EUROPEAN FEUDALISM
Feudalism in medieval Europe was not a unique development.
Parallels to it may be found in other parts of the world. Whenever the state
becomes incapable of protecting life and property, powerful men in each
locality will themselves undertake this duty; they will assume the burden of
their own defense and of those weaker men who seek their aid. Such was the
situation in ancient Egypt for several hundred years, in medieval Persia, and
in modern Japan until about two generations ago.
EXTENT OF EUROPEAN FEUDALISM
European feudalism arose and flourished in the three
countries which had formed the Carolingian Empire, that is, in France, Germany,
and northern Italy. It also spread to Bohemia, Hungary, and the Christian
states of Spain. Toward the close of the eleventh century the Normans
transplanted it into England, southern Italy, and Sicily. During the twelfth
and thirteenth centuries the crusaders introduced it into the kingdoms which
they founded in the East. Still later, in the fourteenth century, the
Scandinavian countries became acquainted with feudalism. Throughout this wide
area the institution, though varying endlessly in details, presented certain
common features.
