In the feudal system, the landowners were generally nobles or lords who were granted land by the king. They were known as vassals or feudal lords. The land was given to them in exchange for their military service and they were responsible for providing protection and other services to the king, such as advice and counsel. The vassals then divided the land among their own vassals, who in turn owed them loyalty and military service. This hierarchical system continued down the feudal pyramid, with each subsequent vassal owing obligations to the lord above them.
