Samurai were a hereditary warrior class in feudal Japan, and their primary role was to serve as the military elite. The specific duties and activities of samurai varied depending on the period and the specific responsibilities assigned to them. Here are some of the key aspects of what samurai did:

1. Military Service: Samurai were skilled warriors trained in various martial arts and combat techniques. They served as the backbone of the feudal military forces, providing protection and fighting in battles on behalf of their lords or daimyo. Their primary duty was to serve their lord and maintain the peace and stability of their domain.
2. Loyalty to their Lord: Samurai were bound by a code of conduct known as bushido, which emphasized loyalty, honor, and duty. They pledged their loyalty to their lord and were expected to serve with unwavering loyalty and dedication. This loyalty extended to following their lord's orders, protecting their interests, and upholding their honor.
3. Administration and Governance: Samurai were not only warriors but also held administrative and governance roles within their lord's domain. They managed and governed their territories, collecting taxes, maintaining order, and overseeing the daily affairs of the domain. Samurai were responsible for enforcing laws, resolving disputes, and upholding justice.
4. Education and Culture: Samurai were expected to be well-educated and cultivated in various arts and disciplines. They studied literature, poetry, calligraphy, tea ceremony, and other cultural pursuits in addition to their martial training. Cultivating these skills and knowledge was considered essential for developing a well-rounded samurai.
5. Patronage of the Arts: Many samurai were patrons of the arts and supported the development of cultural and artistic activities. They sponsored poets, artists, and scholars, contributing to the flourishing of traditional Japanese arts and literature.
6. Personal and Family Conduct: Samurai were expected to embody the ideals of bushido, which emphasized virtues such as honor, courage, self-discipline, and respect. They were expected to adhere to a strict moral code and maintain a high level of personal conduct.

It's important to note that the specific roles and activities of samurai could vary depending on their position, rank, and the historical period in which they lived. However, their dedication to military service, loyalty to their lord, and adherence to the code of bushido were common threads that defined the samurai class.