In what area did feudalism operate?

Feudalism predominantly operated in Medieval Europe, which spanned roughly from the 9th to the 15th centuries. This system was characterized by a hierarchy of lords and vassals wherein land was exchanged for military service and loyalty. In this structure, nobles held large areas of land granted by a king, and in return, they provided military support. Below the nobles, serfs or peasants worked the land and provided agricultural labor, living on the land with minimal rights but under the protection of the lords.

This socio-economic system was particularly suited to the political and cultural landscape of the time, where central authority was often weak, and personal bonds of loyalty were essential for governance and protection. It facilitated localized control and agricultural production that aligned with the needs of society during that era. The distinct features of feudalism, such as land tenure and the obligations between different social classes, became defining aspects of medieval life, shaping both social structures and relationships.

The other choices represent times and places where feudalism was either not present or not the dominant system of organization, thus distinguishing Medieval Europe as the correct answer.