Feudalism was a social and economic system that dominated medieval Europe, particularly from the 9th to the 15th centuries. It was based on the exchange of land for military service and loyalty. In this system, a king granted large estates to nobles, known as lords, who in return provided protection and support. The lords would then allow vassals to work portions of their land in exchange for service and a share of the produce. At the bottom of the feudal hierarchy were the serfs, who worked the land and were bound to it. They had limited rights and were often required to give a portion of their harvest to their lords. This structure created a rigid social order, where each class had specific roles and responsibilities, ensuring stability and security in a time of frequent conflict.