How did feudalism define social structures in medieval Europe?

Feudalism in medieval Europe defined social structures through a hierarchical system based on land ownership and personal loyalty.

Feudalism was the dominant social system in medieval Europe, under which the nobility held lands from the Crown in exchange for military service, and vassals were in turn tenants of the nobles. This system was not only about land, but also about relationships and obligations. It was a hierarchical system, with the king at the top, followed by the nobles, knights, and then the peasants or serfs at the bottom.

The king was the ultimate landowner, and he granted lands known as fiefs to his most important noblemen - his barons and bishops. These noblemen swore an oath of fealty, or loyalty, to the king, promising to provide him with military service when required. In return, they were allowed to live on and profit from the land, and they also had the right to administer justice within their fiefdoms.

These noblemen, in turn, granted smaller parcels of land to lesser noblemen, or knights, who also swore an oath of fealty to them. The knights provided military service to their lord, and also to the king if required. They were also expected to provide other services, such as advice and support in times of war.

At the bottom of the feudal pyramid were the peasants or serfs. They were tied to the land and could not leave without their lord's permission. They worked the land for their lord, giving him a portion of their produce in return for the right to live on the land and for protection. They were also subject to the lord's justice.

Feudalism was a complex system of mutual obligations and responsibilities. It was not a rigid or static system, but one that was constantly evolving and changing. It was also a system that was deeply unequal, with power and wealth concentrated in the hands of a small elite. However, it provided a degree of stability and order in a time of frequent wars and invasions, and it shaped the social, political and economic structures of medieval Europe in profound ways.