Medieval times

The fall of the (a)   marked the end of ancient time

To strengthen their rule, kings gave lands to (a)   in return for their loyalty

The (a)   system began and spread in Europe during the period AD 800-1400

Under the feudal system, the (a)   (upper classes) would grant land and protection to their vassals (lower classes) in return for their loyalty and services

Under the feudal system, the overlords (upper classes) would grant land and protection to their (a)   (lower classes) in return for their loyalty and services

This relationship, together with different forms of rule and the (a)   system, made up the medieval European feudal society

The four classes from top to bottom were king, upper nobles, (a)   (lower nobles) and peasants

In a feudal society, an overlord and his vassals had a (a)   relationship

An overlord had to offer protection and grant land to his (a)  

Therefore, the king would grant land to the upper nobles and the upper nobles would grant land to their (a)