How and why did feudalism start ?

[sgatlantisrose]

the earliest foundations of feudalism go back to the late Roman Empire. As western Rome was slowly collapsing, one of the measures it took to stabilize things was to freeze people into their professions. Farmers' sons could only become farmers, bakers sons bakers, etc.
Then, as the barbarian tribes moved in and finished off the empire, they brought their own cultural heritage with them. In these tribes the kings/warlords/rulers were owed direct loyalty to the warriors they accepted into their service. in exchange, those lords provided honors, and booty, and other rewards. Over a few centuries these factors combined to create what became the feudal system as we know it today, where everyone, from serf to king, owed fealty to someone, and in turn was responsible for their vassals.