What system did landowning nobles govern and protect the people in return for services?

Landowning nobles governed and protected the people through a feudal system. In this hierarchical structure, nobles granted land, known as fiefs, to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty. This mutual obligation provided security and stability during periods of upheaval, as the nobles defended their territories while vassals managed local affairs and offered support. The system was characterized by a network of allegiances and responsibilities that defined social and political relationships in medieval society.