Serf

During the Rise of Europe from 500-1300, serfs were peasants who worked the land for a lord and were bound to the manor where they lived. They played a crucial role in the feudal system by providing the labor needed for agriculture, which was the backbone of the medieval economy. Their hard work and agricultural production helped support the growth of towns and trade, leading to the development of modern European society. Today, the values of hard work and community support that serfs embodied can be seen in community farming initiatives and cooperatives, where people come together to grow food and support each other. For example, community gardens in urban areas today allow people to work together to produce food, much like serfs supported their entire communities through farming.