Anglo-Saxon Society | GCSE History Revision | Anglo-Saxon & Norman England
A long, long time ago...・2 minutes read
The Anglo-Saxons were Germanic people who settled in England post-Roman Empire, primarily farming to survive with a population of around 2 million. Their society had a hierarchical structure with slaves at the bottom, social mobility allowed individuals to move up or down based on success.
Insights
- The Anglo-Saxons were primarily farmers who settled in England after the Romans departed, originating from regions like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. They faced challenges such as low life expectancy and high infant mortality rates due to their agricultural lifestyle.
- Anglo-Saxon society featured a hierarchical structure with slaves at the lowest level, making up 10% of the population. Social mobility was present, enabling individuals to ascend or descend the social ladder based on their achievements and situation, showcasing a dynamic aspect of their societal organization.
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Recent questions
Who were the Anglo-Saxons?
Settlers in England after the Romans left.
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Summary
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Anglo-Saxon Society: Hierarchy and Social Mobility
- The Anglo-Saxons were people who settled in England after the Romans left, originating from parts of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. With a population of roughly 2 million, they mainly farmed to sustain themselves, facing low life expectancy and high infant mortality rates.
- Anglo-Saxon society had a hierarchical structure, with slaves at the bottom, making up about 10% of the population. Peasant farmers, including ceorls, rented land from lords and did work for them. Thegns, local Lords, were part of the aristocracy, needing to own more than five hides of land to qualify.
- Earls, sitting above thegns and second from the King, ruled vast areas called 'earldoms'. Social mobility was possible in Anglo-Saxon society, allowing individuals to move up or down the social ladder based on their success and circumstances.
