“The man should put his hands together as a sign of humility, and place them between the two hands of his lord as a token that he vows everything to him and promises faith to him; and the
lord should receive him and promise to keep faith with him. Then the man should say: ‘Sir, I
enter your homage and faith and become your man by mouth and hands, and I swear and
promise to keep faith and loyalty to you against all others.”

—from A Source Book for Medieval History
1. What medieval socio-political system is described in this passage? Cite evidence from the passage to
support your answer.
2. Why did this system come into being, and what purpose did it serve?
3. What part did a fief play in this new system?