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| | Introduction to the Middle Ages, Part 1 |
 | | Castles, each of which dominated the district in which it was situated, were the base for the exercise of that power. |
 | | In theory, feudalism can be said to resemble a pyramid, with the lowest vassals at its base and the lines of authority flowing up to the peak of the structure, the king, but in practice, there were structural variations from nation to nation. |
 | | Feudal legacies in cultural matters include Chivalry, from which many modern standards of a gentleman are derived; castle architecture; and, in writing, the epic, romance, and courtly literature. |
| www.umfa.utah.edu /?id=MTUx#intro (2464 words) |
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