Rural life was controlled in mediaeval Europe by a system called "feudalism." In a feudal system, the King gave the nobility and clergy vast parcels of land called fiefs. Landless farmers known by the name of serfs worked mostly on the fiefs: they cultivated and harvested crops and provided the landowner the bulk of the product. They were permitted to live on the property in return for their work. In the event of enemy invasion, they were also guaranteed protection.
Mediaeval, Capitalist Civilization Protection Etc
