after either a lord or vassal passed away, what typically happened to the fief?
After either a lord or vassal passed away, what typically happened to the fief would depend on the specific circumstances and the feudal system in place. Here are a few possibilities:
1. Inheritance: If the lord or vassal had a designated heir, the fief would usually pass to the heir. In hereditary feudal systems, such as primogeniture, the oldest son would typically inherit the fief, while in other systems, it might go to a designated successor.
2. Division: In some cases, especially if there were multiple heirs or if the deceased lord or vassal had made prior arrangements, the fief could be divided among the heirs. Each heir would then become a lord or vassal in their own right, holding a portion of the original fief.
3. Reversion: If there were no immediate heirs or designated successors, the fief could revert back to the higher-ranking lord who originally granted it. The superior lord would then have the authority to bestow the fief on a new vassal or keep it under their direct control.
4. Succession disputes: In situations where there were multiple claimants to the fief and no clear inheritance arrangements, succession disputes could arise. These conflicts could lead to legal battles, negotiations, or even armed conflicts between the claimants, often involving the intervention of higher authorities or monarchs.
5. Absorption by the state: In some cases, especially during periods of centralization or when feudal systems were being replaced by more centralized governance, the fief could be absorbed by the state. The central authority would then directly control or distribute the lands, thereby dissolving the feudal relationship.
It is important to note that the specific outcomes varied across different feudal societies and historical periods, as the feudal system itself had different variations and practices in different regions.