Feudal lords were powerful landowners in the medieval system known as feudalism. They held large estates and provided protection and land to their vassals, or lesser nobles, in exchange for military service and loyalty. This relationship was essential for maintaining order and security during a time when centralized governments were weak. In return for their loyalty, vassals would manage the land and collect taxes from the peasants who worked it. The feudal system created a hierarchy where the king was at the top, followed by lords, vassals, and finally the serfs or peasants at the bottom, who worked the land.