Social Structure of Medieval Europe:
King: The King was at the top of the social structure (hierarchy) having the highest authority and owning all the land throughout a kingdom. The highest concern for a king was being prepared for war and enhancing the power of their kingdom. Kings would divide their land amongst noblemen (bishops/barons) in return asking for loyalty and access to their knights.
Nobles: The noblemen (bishops/barons) were the people who directly follow the King in the hierarchy. The barons were the wealthiest of noblemen, receiving land (fiefs) from the King. Some responsibilities of barons were to supply fighters/knights to the King during war. Bishops were equal in power and privileges to barons but had the responsibilities of collecting taxes for the Church, administrating priest and convents.
Lords: The lords ran local manors, provided by the Barons. They were required to serve as soldiers in the King's army.
Knights: The knights were provided living arrangements and in return fought in their Kings army.
Peasant or serf: These were the lowest level of people in the hierarchy, they lived a hard life farming the land in the kingdom and supplying food for everyone. Some peasant were considered free, owning businesses while others were more like slaves. The majority of people in a kingdom were peasants.
Nobles: The noblemen (bishops/barons) were the people who directly follow the King in the hierarchy. The barons were the wealthiest of noblemen, receiving land (fiefs) from the King. Some responsibilities of barons were to supply fighters/knights to the King during war. Bishops were equal in power and privileges to barons but had the responsibilities of collecting taxes for the Church, administrating priest and convents.
Lords: The lords ran local manors, provided by the Barons. They were required to serve as soldiers in the King's army.
Knights: The knights were provided living arrangements and in return fought in their Kings army.
Peasant or serf: These were the lowest level of people in the hierarchy, they lived a hard life farming the land in the kingdom and supplying food for everyone. Some peasant were considered free, owning businesses while others were more like slaves. The majority of people in a kingdom were peasants.