feudalism

(noun)

A social system based on personal ownership of resources, personal fealty of a lord by a subject, and a hierarchical social structure reinforced by religion.

Related Terms

  • Crusade
  • lay
  • Romanticism
  • pre-Raphaelite movement

(noun)

A social system based on personal ownership of resources and personal fealty between a suzerain (lord) and a vassal (subject). Defining characteristics are direct ownership of resources, personal loyalty, and a hierarchical social structure reinforced by religion.

Related Terms

  • Crusade
  • lay
  • Romanticism
  • pre-Raphaelite movement

Examples of feudalism in the following topics:

  • Japanese Architecture in the Momoyama Period

    • The ornate castle architecture and interiors of the Momoyama period were a reflection of both a feudal lord's power and a new aesthetic sense.
    • The ornate castle architecture and interiors, adorned with painted screens embellished with gold leaf, were a reflection of both the power of the feudal lord (known as a daimyo) and a new aesthetic sense that marked a clear departure from the somber monotones favored during the previous Muromachi period.
  • Architecture of the Qin Dynasty

    • The result was the initial construction of what later became the Great Wall of China, which was built by joining and strengthening the walls made by the feudal lords.
  • The Northern Renaissance

    • As in Italy, the decline of feudalism opened the way for the cultural, social, and economic changes associated with the Renaissance in northern Europe.
  • The Romanesque Period

    • Much of Europe was affected by feudalism, in which peasants held tenure from local rulers over the land they farmed in exchange for military service.
  • Art of Esoteric Buddhism

    • The period is also noted for the rise of the samurai class, which would eventually take power and start the feudal period of Japan.
  • Japanese Art in the Meiji Period

    • Japanese society moved from being an isolated feudalism to its modern form.
  • Gothic Art

    • During this time period, the French monarchy was weak and feudal landowners exerted a large amount of regional power. 
  • Influence of Buddhism in the Heian Period

    • The period is also noted for the rise of the samurai class, which would eventually take power and start the feudal period of Japan.
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