Anglo Saxons Flashcards
Learn about anglo saxon society
What is an Earl?
. Highest Anglo-Saxon Aristocracy
. Relationship with king based on loyalty (so would compete with one another for loyalty)
. Ruled a region on behalf of a king
. Area controlled by an Earl is an Earldom
Where do the Anglo Saxons come from?
.Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands
What is a Ceorl?
“Free” peasant farmer - not tied to their land
What percentage of the Anglo-Saxon population were slaves?
10%
Were slaves punished harshly?
No - because it might damage their ability to work
How many acres are in a “Hide”?
About 120 acres (about how much a family needed to support themselves)
What is a Thegn?
. Local lords
. Between 4000-5000 by 1060
. Held more land than the peasants (more than 5 “Hides”)
. Warrior class
!! When a man became a Thegn he paid a tax called a “Heriot” - this required him to equip himself with a helmet, sword, spear, horse and harness!!
How could a peasant move up the social ladder?
By acquiring 5 hides of land that he paid tax on - he could become a Thegn.
Could slaves be freed by their masters?
Yes!
How could an Anglo Saxon move down the social ladder?
In times of hardship, free peasants could sell themselves as slaves!
What is the Anglo Saxon social hierarchy from the bottom class to the top class?
Slave > Peasant Farmer > Ceorl (free peasant farmer) > Thegn > Earl > King
Which class is the warrior class?
Thegns
