During this period monarchs and religious leaders lead nations and causes that changed the landscape of what was considered the world. The vast majority of the population were serfs and peasants under the charge of various nobles or ordained royalty.
In most 'modern' countries at the time, the entirety of each nation is lead by a King. The King owns all land, cities, and armies of their nation. Under the King are various Lords and Nobles who are given charge of counties and territories and maintain the King's interests in those regions.
The major cities of the world are crowded and dirty. Poverty is, literally and figuratively, crippling.
Outside of the major cities are various townships whose primary function is to support the larger towns by managing herds, crops, and mining.