European nobility originated in the feudal/seignorial system that arose in Europe during the Middle Ages. Originally, knights or nobles were mounted warriors who swore allegiance to their sovereign and promised to fight for him in exchange for an allocation of land (usually together with serfs living thereon).
What obligations did lords and vassals have under the feudal system? A lordgranted his vassal a fief. The lord promised to protect his vassal. In return, thevassal pledged loyalty to his lord, as well as military service, money, payments and advice
