Vassal facts for kids
In the Middle Ages, a vassal was a person who had a special agreement with a powerful leader called a lord. This system was part of something called feudalism in Europe. Vassals promised to help their lord, usually by providing soldiers for his army. In return, the lord promised to protect his vassals and often gave them a piece of land called a fief. This land was like a loan; the vassal could use it but didn't fully own it. The idea of a vassal also existed in other societies that had similar systems.
What Was a Vassal's Role?
The idea of a vassal became very important as societies in Europe started to organize themselves around powerful lords. This change marked the end of ancient times and the start of the Early Middle Ages. Lords were the main leaders, and they controlled land and people.
In the 600s, the system of vassals grew. Vassals were often free men who formally agreed to follow a leader. In exchange, the leader would provide them with food, clothes, and weapons. A vassal's most important qualities were their skill in fighting and their strong loyalty to their lord.
Where Did the Word "Vassal" Come From?
The word "vassal" has an interesting history. It comes from an old Celtic word, gwas, which meant "boy" or even "young male slave." Later, it became the Latin word vassus.
This is similar to how the word "knight" developed. "Knight" comes from an Old English word, cniht, and similar words in other languages like Frisian and Dutch. All these words originally meant "lad" or "boy." Over time, both "vassal" and "knight" came to describe important roles in medieval society.
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In Spanish: Vasallaje para niños
