Why do historians use the term "feudalism" to describe the social and political order that arose in the 11th century AD? Monarchs frequently referred to the "feudal contract" when exercising their authority in this period. It appears in some textual accounts from the period. It was the main way in which European societies were governed at the time. It was the central concept binding elites to each other during the period.

Why do historians use the term "feudalism" to describe the social and political order that arose in the 11th century AD? Monarchs frequently referred to the "feudal contract" when exercising their authority in this period. It appears in some textual accounts from the period. It was the main way in which European societies were governed at the time. It was the central concept binding elites to each other during the period.