- Land Exchange: The central feature of feudalism was the exchange of land for military service and fealty. A vassal would swear an oath of loyalty and commitment to their lord, in exchange for land.
- Military Service: Vassals were required to provide military service to their lords when needed. This could include fighting in battles, guarding the lord's lands, or providing other military support.
- Fealty and Loyalty: Vassals owed fealty and loyalty to their lords. This included respecting the lord's authority, supporting the lord in times of need, and not acting against the lord's interests.
- Hierarchy of Power: Feudalism was a hierarchical system, with the king at the top, followed by the major landowning lords (barons), then knights and lower-level vassals.
- Manorialism: Feudalism was closely linked to the manorial system, where peasants lived and worked on the lord's land in exchange for protection and other benefits.