The Zhou society was based on agricultural production.

During that time, the land of the lords was divided among the peasants to grow crops.

They were divided up into three by three squares, with the eight outer squares being worked on by the peasants.

The center tract of land was worked on by all eight of the peasants for the lord.

The extent of this type of land distibution was unclear, but the later dynasties believed that this was the most equitable way of dealing with land distribution and use.