Anglo-Saxon Social Classes and the Norman Conquest Feudal System
Social classes have changed drastically over the years. These classes had many changes from the 6th century to 12th-century Europe. In England, the 6th and 12th century were both in the Middle Ages. During the 6th century, England was ruled by many kings, but the social classes stayed the same. Then there were major changes in the 12th century after the Norman Conquest. These classes were a part of the Anglo-Saxon social system. It consisted of Aristocracy, ceorl, and slaves. The Norman Conquest feudal system included kings, barons, lords, and serfs.
The highest class in the Anglo-Saxon hierarchy are the Aristocracy. At the top of this class is the king. The king’s main job was to protect the people. Many kings gained power through marriage or inheritance. A majority of the king 's wealth came from war, not things like …show more content…
For example, they were very similar in terms of wealth and the amount of privately owned land. Geneatas had to pay a fee for the protection they got from the lord. This fee was usually goods and produce, or lending a helping hand. This work included things/chores like reaping, mowing, building fences, and guarding horses. These people also aided the lord much like the Thanes. The main difference was geneatas were like the peasants but Thanes were professional servicemen.
Under the geneatas were the kotsetlas. The kotsetlas were equivalent to current day farmers and laborers. They had to own a minimum of 5 acres so labor was always attainable. They didn 't have to pay rent, instead they worked for their Lord 's at least once a week.
The last of the ceorl were the geburas. They struggled providing for their families because they had very little land. If they worked for their lord at least two days a week they were promised land and protection. In that aspect, they were similar to slaves but they had the chance to rise through the
Social classes have changed drastically over the years. These classes had many changes from the 6th century to 12th-century Europe. In England, the 6th and 12th century were both in the Middle Ages. During the 6th century, England was ruled by many kings, but the social classes stayed the same. Then there were major changes in the 12th century after the Norman Conquest. These classes were a part of the Anglo-Saxon social system. It consisted of Aristocracy, ceorl, and slaves. The Norman Conquest feudal system included kings, barons, lords, and serfs.
The highest class in the Anglo-Saxon hierarchy are the Aristocracy. At the top of this class is the king. The king’s main job was to protect the people. Many kings gained power through marriage or inheritance. A majority of the king 's wealth came from war, not things like …show more content…
For example, they were very similar in terms of wealth and the amount of privately owned land. Geneatas had to pay a fee for the protection they got from the lord. This fee was usually goods and produce, or lending a helping hand. This work included things/chores like reaping, mowing, building fences, and guarding horses. These people also aided the lord much like the Thanes. The main difference was geneatas were like the peasants but Thanes were professional servicemen.
Under the geneatas were the kotsetlas. The kotsetlas were equivalent to current day farmers and laborers. They had to own a minimum of 5 acres so labor was always attainable. They didn 't have to pay rent, instead they worked for their Lord 's at least once a week.
The last of the ceorl were the geburas. They struggled providing for their families because they had very little land. If they worked for their lord at least two days a week they were promised land and protection. In that aspect, they were similar to slaves but they had the chance to rise through the