Land was exchanged for loyalty and service.
* Lords granted land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for military service, loyalty, and other obligations.
* Vassals swore oaths of loyalty to their lords and provided military support, advice, and other services.
* Peasants worked the land and provided food and labor to both lords and vassals.
This created a hierarchical structure, with the king at the top and peasants at the bottom.