The feudal system was a hierarchical structure of land ownership and protection in medieval Europe. It was based on the exchange of land for military service or labor. At the top of the system was the king, who granted land to nobles in exchange for their loyalty and military service. The nobles, in turn, granted land to lesser nobles, knights, and vassals in exchange for their loyalty and military service. The vassals, in turn, granted land to peasants in exchange for their labor and loyalty. The peasants were responsible for farming the land and providing food and other resources to the upper classes.
