Feudalism was a social, economic, and political system that emerged in Europe between the 8th and 9th centuries. People sought protection from powerful lords in exchange for their loyalty and labor. The lords provided land and security to their vassals, who were obligated to provide military or agricultural service. Society was organized into a strict hierarchy with the king and barons at the top, followed by free farmers and slaves with few rights. Land was held under a variety of systems in which lords derived revenue from crops, labor, or money paid by those working the fiefs and manors.