Economic Characteristics:
* Feudalism: A hierarchical system where lords granted land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty.
* Serfdom: Peasants (serfs) were tied to the land and obligated to work for the lord in exchange for protection and a place to live.
* Self-sufficiency: Manors produced most of their own food, tools, and other necessities. They were largely isolated and independent.
* Agricultural focus: The economy revolved around agriculture, with the majority of the population engaged in farming.
* Limited trade: While some trade existed, it was mostly local and limited in scope.
Social Characteristics:
* Hierarchical society: A strict social hierarchy existed, with the lord at the top, followed by vassals, peasants, and serfs.
* Obligations and duties: Each social group had specific obligations and duties to the others, as determined by their position in the system.
* Localism: Life was centered around the manor, with limited interaction between manors.
* Community and cooperation: Manorialism fostered a strong sense of community and cooperation, as everyone relied on each other for survival.
Key Features:
* Land ownership: Lords owned the land, and peasants had rights to use it but could not own it.
* Obligations and services: Peasants were obligated to work the land, pay taxes (in the form of produce or labor), and perform services for the lord.
* Justice: Lords held authority over legal matters on their manors, with a system of manorial courts.
In summary, manorialism was a system of self-sufficient, agrarian communities based on feudal relationships and serfdom, which shaped the social, economic, and political landscape of Europe during the Middle Ages.