The Early History of Medieval Serfdom in Europe
R. H. Hilton
IN the long history of pre-industrial societies one constant features has been existence social groups whose members were unfree. The freedom which they lacked was not, course, an absolute quality existence. It is a truism needs no elaboration that in most men’s action limited by authority state, power rich and customary pressures groups. And, just as there always numerous variations opportunities, freedoms, men who called free, similarly many forms unfreedom. view expressed Carolingian capitulary non est amplius nisi liber et servusl might have convenient for serf-owners, but at particular time completely misrepresented great complexity contemporary conditions. Yet complex grades unfreedom to be found ancient, medieval later should not lead us minimise fact human beings, often majority, these societies. Even if we ignore limitations on resulting from poverty, lack opportunity, influence lot women, could that, well ancient societies, practical limits openly institutionalised hereditary juridical servitude.
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