Locatarii

Locatarii, also known as locatarii de scaun, were a class of serfs in medieval Romania and Moldova. They were bound to the land and had limited rights, being required to work on the lord's estate and provide labor and goods in exchange for protection and the right to live on the land. Locatarii were not free to leave the estate without permission and were subject to the lord's authority. They were often organized into communities or villages, with a leader or "starets" who mediated disputes and maintained order. Locatarii played a crucial role in the agricultural economy of the region, providing labor for farming, forestry, and other tasks. However, their status was precarious, as they could be easily displaced or forced into other forms of labor if the lord needed their services elsewhere. The system of locatarii was gradually abolished in the 19th century, with the introduction of land reforms that aimed to improve the living conditions of the peasants and promote economic development.