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Never as neat or well organized as many descriptions suggest, in essence feudalism involved the exchange of grants of land for military and political service, sealed by personal oaths between the lord and the vassal. The castle has been called the perfect architectural expression of the European feudal age.

— Marilyn Stokstad Medieval castles (2005)

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More quotes by Marilyn Stokstad

Ninth-century castles were relatively small and simple affairs designed to safeguard a relatively small number of people and intended as a refuge during times of trouble.

Medieval castles (2005)

The castle was far more than a walled and turreted fortress; it was an instrument of social control and the symbol of power, authority, and wealth.

Medieval castles (2005)

A sharp contrast existed between the upper classes who constantly moved from manor to manor and the peasants who were tied to the land and lived in agricultural villages outside the castle walls. Yet economic opportunities expanded for both groups.

Medieval castles (2005)

Whether looming over the land as a symbol of a ruler’s authority or providing a setting for displays of wealth and power in spectacular feasts and tournaments, castles made a visual statement about their owners. All ar chitecture has symbolic overtones, and the castle is a potent image.

Medieval castles (2005)

An alternate career path for a woman lay in the Church, where as a nun she escaped the dangers of childbirth. In the convent she could hold any position except that of priest, and as an abbess or prioress she had great power and responsibility.

Medieval castles (2005)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Marilyn Stokstad (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.