Social Structure BY EDWARD AND JOSH

Social Classes

Very simple social structure with high status members and low status members

Highest class is the Kings who received a number of benefits and rewards

Lowest class is the Thralls, equivalent to slaves.

Kings Jarls Karls Thralls

Thralls Slaves No rights Not allowed to own land Only allowed to do chores for owners Were treated well by owners Could be acquired by War Raid Trades Can be born a Thrall Were allowed free time and could marry

Karls Took up most of the Norseman

population Middle class Farmers Land Owners Freeman (not a slave) Lived in groups Could own their own slaves (Thralls) Help them with simple tasks If a Karl gained enough wealthThen they could become a Jarl.

Jarls

Class above the Karls Upper class of the freeman Nobleman (a man born into nobility) Rich landowners Merchants Traders Jarls were defined by their wealth (followers,

ships, estates, treasure etc) Had many followers Must uphold prosperity (wealth) and honour

of followers.

Kings Highest level and head of the

clan/group Make money from nobles (Jarls). Gets

a portion of their stuff. Gets lots of land/property Main job was too ensure safety and

security for his group. Had close and reliable partners to

fight on notice. Image was very important (Clothes

and jewellery)