During the Middle Ages, the majority of people were involved in agriculture and related tasks. The feudal system was prevalent, and the society was primarily agrarian. Peasants, also known as serfs, worked on the land of lords in exchange for protection and a share of the produce. They were responsible for farming, animal husbandry, harvesting crops, and maintaining the lord's estate.
Apart from agriculture, other common occupations during the Middle Ages included:
1. Craftsmen: Artisans and craftsmen, such as blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, potters, and bakers, played an essential role in medieval society, producing goods and services.
2. Clergy: The church played a dominant influence in the Middle Ages. Clergy members, including priests, monks, and nuns, devoted their lives to religious duties, such as leading ceremonies, conducting baptisms, offering spiritual guidance, and managing monastic estates.
3. Merchants: Trading and commerce flourished during the later Middle Ages. Merchants traveled long distances, bought and sold goods, and established trade routes connecting distant regions. They often played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge, ideas, and products.
4. Military: Soldiers, knights, and nobles actively participated in warfare. Knights, in particular, often served as fighters and protectors, given their military training, mounted combat skills, and allegiance to their lords.
5. Laborers: Many people worked as unskilled laborers, performing tasks such as construction, road-building, mining, and sanitation.
It should be noted that these occupations varied across regions and social classes, and there were also niche professions like scribes, physicians, entertainers, and scholars.
what kind of work were most people involved in during the Middle Ages ?
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