The new beginning of classical learning included the renewal of Roman law, with its traditions of powerful rulers and territorial government. The church looked on rulers as divinely ordained and by its anointment gave them a sacred character. The church was granted territorial fief, became a vassal, possessed immunities. Its hierarchy was somewhat parallel the feudal hierarchy. The church owned much land, held by monasteries, by church dignitaries, and by the church themselves. The land the church received was give by nobles but it had to perform its feudal duties. It might owe suit and service to the lord. But it had more often than not just to provide it knight and warrior and to justice to its tenants. .

             The renewal of trade and industry brought in towns and a powerful urban class that looked to nobles to maintain the freedom and order. The numerous flaws of the feudal system would eventually lead to its downfall in 1660. Feudalism was initially used as a method of local defense. In the times of uncertainty that plagued after the fall of the Roman Empire feudalism provided public power and armed forces in the hands of private landowners. .

             Early feudalism mainly evolved to allow monarchs to maintain large armies of mounted troops by giving them land in exchange for their services. Later feudalism consisted of a more political relationship between Lord and Vassal. The bond between lord and vassal allowed wealthy landowners the ability to field an army quickly when needed. .

             In the early feudal system Armies of soldiers, who were really farmers and herdsman"s, were defending the land in the beginning of feudalism. The cost for horses and training that took years was very expensive. It became apparent that a full time fighting force was needed. A fighting force was needed that displayed courage and trust of the inducted person. These people became Knights one of the most superior fighting forces, far better than infantrymen.