Feudalism
After the Roman Empire broke down, Europe was separated in many little kingdoms that were ruled by many different kings. These kings ruled their property with a political system known as feudalism. In this system there were three social classes. On the top was the king who ruled. Then came vassals or nobles to whom the king gave castles and land for their loyalty. He needed nobles to fight for him in the wars. Powerful nobles were above less wealthy nobles and could have vassals of their own. On the bottom were poor serf's who worked as farmers, tending nobles' land. The king and other rulers supervised the farming on their manors, collected taxes from serfs, and settled disputes on their land. They made their own rules. Kings had a duty to protect people on their land.