Serf

A serf was a peasant in medieval Europe who was tied to the land they worked on. Unlike slaves, serfs weren't owned outright but were required to work for a lord in exchange for protection and the right to live on the land. They often paid rent and provided labor, but they had limited rights and could not freely leave the lord's estate. This system was part of the feudal structure, where society was organized based on land ownership and duties. Over time, the status of serfs declined, leading to increased freedom and the eventual rise of a more modern economy.