What were the primary taxation systems used in medieval societies?

Medieval societies primarily used systems such as the feudal system, tithe, tallage, and scutage for taxation.

The feudal system was a hierarchical structure that defined the relationships between the king, nobles, knights, and peasants. The king granted lands, known as fiefs, to his nobles in exchange for their loyalty and military service. These nobles, in turn, granted portions of their lands to knights who promised to fight for them. The peasants, or serfs, worked the land and paid rent to the knights, often in the form of crops, livestock, or labour. This system of mutual obligations and services formed the basis of taxation in the feudal society.

The tithe was another significant form of taxation in the medieval period, particularly in areas under the influence of the Church. The tithe was a religious tax, typically amounting to one-tenth of a person's produce or income, which was given to the Church. This was a mandatory contribution and was used to maintain the church, support the clergy, and help the poor.

Tallage was a tax imposed by lords on their serfs or tenants. The amount and frequency of tallage could vary greatly, and it was often a source of contention between lords and their subjects. It could be levied for various reasons, such as to fund a war, pay a ransom, or simply to increase the lord's wealth.

Scutage was a tax that knights could pay to their lord in lieu of military service. The term 'scutage' comes from the Latin word 'scutum', meaning shield. This tax was particularly prevalent in England during the 12th and 13th centuries. It allowed knights to focus on their estates and personal affairs, while providing the king with funds to hire professional soldiers.

These taxation systems were not mutually exclusive and often overlapped. They were also subject to change and evolution over time, reflecting the shifting economic, social, and political realities of the medieval period.