Imagine living in a time where the clothes you wear, the food you eat, and the work you do are all determined by your birth. Welcome to the Feudal System of the Middle Ages. During this time, society was like a pyramid. At the top was the King, who granted lands, known as fiefs, to his most important noblemen and bishops, called lords. In return, the Lords pledged loyalty and military service to the King - this was 'vassalage'. Below the Lords were knights, who promised to protect the Lord's lands and fight for him. At the very bottom were peasants, who worked on the land to grow food in exchange for protection. The Feudal System was not just about who had power, but it was also a way of life. It ended due to several reasons, including the Black Death, the Crusades, and the rise of trade and cities. Its echoes can still be felt today, as it helped shape societies and governments around the world.