In the feudal system, what social rank were those known as "vassals" assigned to?
In the feudal system, vassals were assigned to the social rank of nobility. To determine this, we can break down the feudal system and its hierarchy:
1. Monarch/King: The highest position in the feudal system is held by the monarch or king. They have the ultimate authority and own all the land.
2. Lords: Below the monarch, there are various lords who directly serve the king. These lords are granted portions of land or territories known as fiefs.
3. Vassals: Vassals are individuals who are granted land or fiefs by the lords. They are considered the immediate subordinates of lords and are obliged to provide military service, advice, and other support to their lords.
4. Knights: Knights were usually vassals themselves, serving under lords or higher-ranking vassals. Their main role was to provide military service in exchange for land or protection.
So, to answer your question, vassals were assigned to the social rank of nobility as they held land and were directly accountable to lords or higher-ranking vassals.