One reason for the rise of the feudal system out of the fall of the Roman Empire is the need for protection and security. With the collapse of a centralized authority, the Roman Empire left a power vacuum, and smaller local communities sought protection against external threats such as invasions, raids, and attacks. The feudal system provided a structure where individuals could grant lands and resources (fiefs) to vassals who, in return, provided military service and protection. This decentralized form of government allowed for a more localized and effective defense mechanism in a time of increased insecurity.
