Anglo Saxons Flashcards

Learn about anglo saxon society

1
Q

What is an Earl?

A

. 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

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2
Q

Where do the Anglo Saxons come from?

A

.Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands

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3
Q

What is a Ceorl?

A

“Free” peasant farmer - not tied to their land

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4
Q

What percentage of the Anglo-Saxon population were slaves?

A

10%

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5
Q

Were slaves punished harshly?

A

No - because it might damage their ability to work

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6
Q

How many acres are in a “Hide”?

A

About 120 acres (about how much a family needed to support themselves)

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7
Q

What is a Thegn?

A

. 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!!

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8
Q

How could a peasant move up the social ladder?

A

By acquiring 5 hides of land that he paid tax on - he could become a Thegn.

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9
Q

Could slaves be freed by their masters?

A

Yes!

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10
Q

How could an Anglo Saxon move down the social ladder?

A

In times of hardship, free peasants could sell themselves as slaves!

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11
Q

What is the Anglo Saxon social hierarchy from the bottom class to the top class?

A

Slave > Peasant Farmer > Ceorl (free peasant farmer) > Thegn > Earl > King

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12
Q

Which class is the warrior class?

A

Thegns

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