What is feudalism

Feudalism is a social-political-economic system in which power and land ownership are centralized in the hands of kings/nobles, who grant land (feudum) and protection to subordinates (vassals/peasants) in exchange for loyalty and service, creating a strict hierarchy based on land, power, and hereditary status, with the main characteristics being the absolute power of the ruler and deep social inequality, although it often triggers nepotism and corrupt practices in modern times.