Medieval serfs (aka villeins) were unfree labourers who worked the land of a landowner (or tenant) in return for physical and legal protection and the right to work a separate piece of land for their own basic needs. Serfs made up 75% of the medieval population but were not slaves as only their labour could be bought, not their person.
More about: SerfCelebrate Our Anniversary with Trivia!
Join us on August 23 for a free virtual trivia party featuring questions about ancient civilizations, U.S. history, unusual historical facts, pop culture, and more.
$513 / $5000
Definition
Timeline
-
c. 1100 - c. 1400Serfdom and manorialism is at its height in medieval Europe.
-
Jun 1381The Peasants' Revolt in England.
