Serfs

Serfs were agricultural laborers in medieval Europe who were bound to the land they worked on. They were not slaves, as they could not be bought or sold, but they had limited personal freedoms and owed obligations to their lords, such as farming a portion of the land. In return, lords provided them with protection and a place to live. This system, known as feudalism, was prevalent from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Serfs played a crucial role in the economy, supporting the agricultural base of society while remaining under the control of the landowners.