discipleofWORD

Here's a website I found:

http://library.thinkquest.org/J01105...dal_system.htm

It doesn't seem like the complete list. For instance, where does the dukes go, and what other classes existed back then.

Anybody knows the feudal system/hierarchy in-depth?

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Nickie

Well, I know something about the feudal system. Just not sure of the right translations (I'm Flemish, you see).

The system works with an overlord (mot of the time a king, or a prince, even an archbishop). He owns the land in general. He gives away part of his land (sort of loan) to people he thought deserved it. They could use the venues of the land for their own benefit, in exchange for sending men-in-arms to the overlord in case of war.

Those landowners (titled or not) ususally had people working for them. Part them were free, but most were called "serfs". They had to stay on the land and could not go anyplace else. They could work their own farms, but the lord got 10% of their income (in money or other). Just imagine: 10%... We now pay 45%!!!

At the same time, cities came into existence. There only free people lived. Now, if a serf managed to get away from his owner, and could hide out in a city for more than a year, he became a free person too.

About titles in aristocracy, they start with the knight (Sir etc.), then comes the baron (Lord), viscount, earl, marquis, duke, prince, king.

Hope this helps,


Nickie

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Verago

Here's a little something I found while researching the subject not too long ago.

It's a nice index of feudal terminology.

http://s11.invisionfree.com/AFN/inde...post&id=489335

It has some information on the hierarchy, but it goes way into detail on the names of the castle parts, sections, war-terms, military stuff...

Hope this helps.
Ethanael.