What was a central feature of medieval European society?

The central feature of medieval European society was indeed serfdom and land ownership. During the Middle Ages, the feudal system became the predominant social structure. Under this system, land ownership was the basis of power and wealth. Nobles owned large estates and granted portions of their land to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty.

Serfs, who made up a significant portion of the population, were bound to the land they worked. They could not leave without permission and were subject to the authority of their lord. This relationship between lords and serfs was fundamental to the socioeconomic dynamics of the time, as it dictated the agricultural production and, consequently, the food supply for the population. The obligations and rights of serfs played a crucial role in maintaining the feudal system while also influencing the social hierarchy within medieval society.

While democratic governance was emerging in some forms towards the end of the medieval period, it was not a defining characteristic throughout most of the era. Industrial production was minimal during these centuries, as the economy was primarily agrarian. Although there were trade networks, they were more localized and did not reach the extensive global nature seen in later periods. Thus, serfdom and land ownership remain the key features of medieval European