What was feudalism in terms of land ownership?

Feudalism was primarily characterized by a hierarchical system of land ownership and management, which involved a relationship between lords and vassals where land was owned by the ruling individuals or classes. In this system, the state was often represented by a monarch or a head of state, who granted land to nobles in exchange for military service and loyalty. The land was not owned by individuals in the modern sense; instead, it was controlled by the nobility under the overarching authority of the monarch. This structure created a clear chain of allegiance and responsibility, outlining the obligations those who held land had towards those who granted it.

The other options align less accurately with the principles of feudalism. For instance, the idea of community ownership or shared ownership does not reflect the individualized and hierarchical nature of land tenure in a feudal system. Furthermore, it is not a modern concept, as feudalism specifically pertains to medieval societal structures and is fundamentally different from contemporary notions of land management and ownership.