The bottom of the feudal tree during the Middle Ages was occupied by the serfs, also known as villeins. Serfs were peasants who were bound to the land they worked on and were considered the lowest social class in the feudal system. They were not free to leave the land or choose their own occupations, and they were required to provide labor and other services to the lord of the manor in exchange for their protection and the use of the land. Serfs were often tied to the land through a system of manorialism, in which they were required to pay rent, provide labor services, and offer other forms of tribute to the lord of the manor. They had few rights and were often subject to harsh treatment and exploitation.