What does a fief represent in the feudal system?

A fief represents land granted in exchange for loyalty and service within the feudal system. This arrangement was a foundational element of feudalism, wherein lords bestowed portions of their land (the fiefs) to vassals, who were typically knights or lesser nobles. In return for the land, the vassals pledged their loyalty to the lord, committed to providing military service and other duties as required.

This system was essential for maintaining order and security during the Middle Ages, as it established clear hierarchical relationships based on obligation and mutual benefit. The land granted as a fief often included peasants who worked the land and produced goods, further enhancing the economic and social structure of feudal society. The other options do not accurately portray the significance of a fief: it is not a military unit, a title of nobility, or a form of currency, but rather a physical piece of land with specific responsibilities tied to it.