Fief holders, also known as lieges, were medieval lords who held land from a higher lord in exchange for loyalty and service. They were responsible for providing military support to their higher lord and collecting taxes from the people living on the land. In return, they were granted certain rights and privileges, such as the right to pass on their title to their heirs. Fief holders were an integral part of the feudal system, which was the dominant form of government in Europe during the Middle Ages.