anglo saxon society Flashcards
two features of the witan
1)compromised the most powerful nobles and they offered the king their views and advice.
2)they played a crucial role in succession process - if the throne was disputed or there was no clear heir the witan would decide.
role of the thegn
1 Thegns were local lords who owned at least 5 hides of lands making them upper class in Anglo- Saxon society.
2 thegns had military responsibilites like providing armed men to fight for the king when required.
role of earls
1) earls were the most powerful nobles in England just before the king Earls and with that they had significant military and political roles.
2)They also played an important role in governing their earldoms, managing justice, and overseeing the law in their regions. Earls often acted as the king’s representatives in their territories.
limits to the kings power
1) the witan ( when edward died the witan decided to crown harold instead of a foreigner)
2)power of nobles( leading up to 1066 there were several instances of nobles like harold gowinson challenging the king decisions)
3)role of the church(religious figures could often limit royal power by supporting or opposing specific policies.)
4)custom and tradition ( Kings could not easily change laws without the approval of the Witan, and they had to consider the wishes of the people and the nobles.)
role of ceorls
1)Ceorls were free peasants who owned or rented small plots of land. they had legal rights and could manage their property, including passing it on to their heirs.
2)Ceorls worked the land, growing crops and raising animals to support themselves and their families.
role of peasants
1)The majority of peasants in Edward the Confessor’s time were agricultural laborers who worked the land, often on a lord’s estate.
2)Peasants were the backbone of the Anglo-Saxon economy, producing food for the population and contributing to local trade. They were also involved in local craftsmanship and other small industries
hides
1)measurement used for land in anglo saxon and norman england.
2) The hide was also used to determine the amount of tax a person owed and the military service they were required to provide.
two features of a fyrd
Military Service
The fyrd was a system where free men in Anglo-Saxon England were required to serve in the army when called upon by the king or their local lord. They were trained to defend the kingdom and were an important part of the Anglo-Saxon military system.
Local and Temporary
The fyrd was not a professional standing army; rather, . Men served in the fyrd for short periods, usually during times of conflict and would return to their normal lives once the threat had passed.
two features of a shire reeve
Local Administration
The shire reeve (also known as a sheriff) was the king’s representative in a shire (a county). They were responsible for enforcing the king’s laws, managing local courts, and ensuring taxes were collected in their area.
Military and Judicial Duties
The shire reeve also had military duties, including gathering the fyrd and leading them in times of war. Additionally, they presided over the shire court,
how powerful was edward
1) respected law maker
2) he was very pious
two feature of the anglo saxon monarchy
Religious Role
The Anglo-Saxon king had a strong religious role, often seen as God’s representative on Earth. Kings like Edward the Confessor were considered divinely appointed, and their reign was believed to ensure the peace and prosperity of the kingdom.
Authority Over Law and Order
The king had the final say in matters of justice and law. He had the power to create laws, make decisions on disputes, and levy taxes. .
two feature of the local goverment
Hundreds and Tithings
Local government in Anglo-Saxon England was divided into units like hundreds (groups of ten tithings) and tithings (smaller units of local communities). These units were responsible for law enforcement and administration, such as managing local courts and collecting taxes.
The Role of Local Officials
Local government relied on officials such as bailiffs and reeves to oversee the community. These officials were responsible for ensuring the king’s laws were followed, organizing the collection of taxes.
two features of a shire
Administrative Unit
A shire was a geographic and administrative division in Anglo-Saxon England, similar to a modern county. It was governed by a shire reeve (sheriff) who was responsible for law enforcement, collecting taxes.
A shire was made up of smaller units called hundreds, which were further divided into tithings - helped organize local communities for legal and administrative purposes.
two features of the influence of the church
Religious Authority
The Church had significant religious authority in Anglo-Saxon England. It played a central role in administering sacraments, such as baptism and marriage, and was key to people’s beliefs about life and death.
Political Influence
The Church wielded considerable political power, with church leaders often advising the king and the Witan. Bishops and abbots controlled large amounts of land and were influential in shaping laws and policies.
two feautures of anglo saxon economy
Agriculture-Based
The Anglo-Saxon economy was primarily based on agriculture, with the majority of people working the land. Farmers grew crops , and raised livestock.
Trade in Anglo-Saxon England was largely local and relied on a barter system. Goods such as food, cloth, and tools were exchanged locally, and towns played a role in facilitating trade between different regions of the kingdom.
blood feud
Personal Revenge
A blood feud was a system of revenge in Anglo-Saxon society, where a family sought retribution for the murder or injury of one of its members. It was a way for people to seek justice outside of the formal legal system.
Blood feuds often escalated over time, as each act of violence was met with further violence, causing cycles of revenge between families or clans.
wergild
Personal Revenge
A blood feud was a system of revenge in Anglo-Saxon society, where a family sought retribution for the murder or injury of one of its members. It was a way for people to seek justice outside of the formal legal system.
Escalation of Conflict
Blood feuds often escalated over time, as each act of violence was met with further violence, causing cycles of revenge between families or clans, and potentially destabilizing the local community.
two features of towns and trade
Marketplaces and Trade Centers
Towns in Anglo-Saxon England, such as London and Winchester, often had markets where goods were exchanged. These towns became important trade centers, making the exchange of local goods and items brought from foreign lands.
Crafts and Specialization
Towns were also home to skilled craftspeople, such as blacksmiths, potters, and weavers. These towns allowed for the specialization of crafts, which contributing growth of local economies and trade.
What trials were used in the Anglo-Saxon era?
TRIAL BY JURY IN THE SHIRE- OR HUNDRED-COURT. The jury knew both the accuser and the accused.
TRIAL BY ORDEAL. The last resort, if trial by jury didn’t work. The accused would have to undergo an ordeal (e.g. trial by hot water). This showed the importance of religion
