How was western European society divided?

Western European society was divided into three main orders or estates: Clergy: The clergy comprised the religious hierarchy of the Catholic Church, including bishops, priests, monks, and nuns. They held spiritual authority and played a central role in religious, educational, and charitable activities. The clergy were exempt from many secular laws and taxes and wielded significant influence over the lives of ordinary people through preaching, sacraments, and moral guidance. Nobility: The nobility consisted of feudal lords, knights, and aristocratic families who held land and held political and social power. They enjoyed privileges such as land ownership, military authority, and participation in governing bodies such as feudal councils and royal courts. The nobility often engaged in warfare, courtly pursuits, and cultural patronage, reflecting their status as the ruling elite of medieval society. Commoners: Commoners encompassed the majority of the population and included peasants, artisans, merchants, and laborers who lacked noble status or clerical office. They worked the land, practiced various trades and crafts, and engaged in commerce and industry to support themselves and their families. Commoners had varying degrees of freedom and social mobility depending on their legal status, economic resources, and opportunities for advancement. read less