During the feudal times, the society was very structured where everyone knew their place. Fishermen knew that they would always have to bend their knee for highborn ladies and gentlemen, while the latter considered themselves to be far too superior to even look at the common folk. Mont Saint-Michel is a living memorial of those times. Its structural composition clearly reflects the structure of feudal society: The monastery and abbey were built on the highest point; housing and stores were built some distance below; finally, fishermen’s and farmer’s houses were constructed, not even being within the city walls, making them the most vulnerable to the possible attack.

A horse is ridden out of the River Eden after being washed on the first day of the Appleby Horse Fair on June 7, 2018 in Appleby, England. The fair is an annual gathering for Gypsy, Romany and travelling communities. The event has existed under the protection of a charter granted by James II since 1685 and it remains one of the key meeting points for these communities. Around 10,000 travellers are expected to attend the event who traditionally come to buy and sell horses and it offers an opportunity for the traveller community to come together to celebrate their heritage and culture. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

An Afghan Hound waits in the benching area during the Daytime Session in the Breed Judging across the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Pier 92/94 in New York City on February 11, 2019. (Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP Photo)

Brazilian actress Julia Stockler (L) and Brazilian actress Carol Duarte kiss while posing with Brazilian film director Karim Ainouz during a photocall for the film “A Vida Invisivel de Euridice Gusmao (The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao)” at the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 20, 2019. (Photo by Stephane Mahe/Reuters)

A competitor competes during the Hortobagy Hobby Horse Cup in Tiszafured, Hungary, on October 26, 2024. (Photo by Bernadett Szabo/Reuters)

Saleem Bagga, seen by some as a lookalike of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, poses for a selfie with a customer while selling kheer, a traditional South Asian rice pudding, along a road in Sahiwal, Pakistan on January 13, 2025. (Photo by Nida Meboob/Reuters)

Models pose backstage ahead of the Zhivago show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 17 Collections at Carriageworks on May 16, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)