In feudalism, an important aspect of the system was the granting of land from a lord to a vassal in exchange for military service, loyalty, and other obligations. The term used to refer to this land grant was a „fief.“
A fief typically consisted of land, but it could also include other resources such as forests, rivers, and buildings. The size of the fief varied depending on the status of the vassal and the power of the lord.
The granting of a fief was usually done through a formal contract called a „feudal contract“ or „feudal covenant.“ This document outlined the terms of the relationship between the lord and the vassal, including the size of the fief, the obligations of the vassal, the duration of the contract, and the consequences of breaking the agreement.
One important aspect of the feudal contract was the „homage ceremony.“ During this ceremony, the vassal would swear an oath of loyalty to the lord, often kneeling and placing his hands between the lord`s hands. This gesture symbolized the vassal`s submission to the lord and his commitment to fulfill his obligations.
The feudal system was prevalent in medieval Europe from the 9th to the 15th century. It was a complex social and economic system that determined the relationships between lords, vassals, and peasants. The granting of a fief was a crucial component of this system, as it ensured that the lord had a loyal and capable vassal to defend his land and provide him with resources.
In summary, the name given to the land granted in a feudal contract was a „fief.“ The feudal contract was a formal document that outlined the terms of the agreement between the lord and the vassal. The granting of a fief was a crucial part of the feudal system and was often accompanied by a solemn ceremony of homage.