The Peasants
►Peasants
remained liable to conscription for public works or military
service.
►Population
pressure was relieved by movement into uncultivated hill and
forest regions, or to newly conquered lands in the south.
►Some
peasants turned to banditry or became beggars.
►Many,
for economic and physical protection, formed secret societies
which might, in stressful times, provide a basis for rebellion.
