anglo saxon laborer crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find quick, accurate, and comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "anglo saxon laborer", along with helpful explanations to boost your knowledge.
Solutions for "anglo saxon laborer crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CHURL: In Anglo-Saxon England, a ceorl (or churl) was a free peasant of the lowest rank, often working the land.
6 Letters
THRALL: A thrall was a slave or serf, particularly in Anglo-Saxon or Norse societies, bound to the service of a lord.
7 Letters
VILLEIN: A type of serf in medieval feudal systems, a villein was a peasant tied to the land and subject to the will of their lord, though with some rights.
More About "anglo saxon laborer crossword clue"
The term 'Anglo-Saxon laborer' points to a significant aspect of early English history, detailing the working classes that formed the backbone of society during the Anglo-Saxon period (roughly 5th to 11th centuries). These individuals were crucial for agricultural production, construction, and the overall maintenance of the feudal system that gradually took shape. Their lives were often governed by the land and the lord, with duties varying from tending fields to crafts and domestic service.
Understanding the specific types of laborers, such as 'ceorls' (freemen with land, though of the lowest rank), 'thralls' (slaves), and later 'villeins' (serfs tied to the land, especially post-Conquest but relevant for historical context), is key to unlocking clues like 'Anglo-Saxon laborer'. Crossword puzzles often test knowledge of these distinct social strata, requiring solvers to recall the precise historical terminology for these roles. The context of their work, whether forced or free, heavily influenced their status and daily lives within the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the historical period or specific context hinted at by the clue. For 'Anglo-Saxon laborer', think about words from that era.
- Check Letter Count: Once you have a potential answer, verify its letter count. If it doesn't match the blank spaces, it's not the right word, even if semantically close.
- Look for Synonyms & Specific Terms: Crossword setters love synonyms. 'Laborer' might lead you to 'worker' or 'peasant', but 'Anglo-Saxon' narrows it to specific historical terms like 'thrall' or 'churl'.
- Utilize Cross-References: Use letters from intersecting words to confirm or narrow down possibilities for your 'Anglo-Saxon laborer' clue. If a letter doesn't fit, your potential answer is likely incorrect.
- Break Down the Clue: Analyze each word in the clue. 'Anglo-Saxon' specifies the historical period, while 'laborer' defines the type of person. Both elements are crucial.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the role of a laborer in Anglo-Saxon society?
Anglo-Saxon laborers, like ceorls, thralls, and later villeins, formed the backbone of the agrarian economy. They performed various agricultural tasks, built structures, and contributed to the lord's estate, often in exchange for protection and a place to live.
Are there different types of Anglo-Saxon laborers?
Yes, Anglo-Saxon society had various classes of laborers. 'Thralls' were enslaved people, while 'ceorls' were freemen who owned land but were of the lowest free rank. After the Norman Conquest, the 'villein' became a common term for a serf tied to the land.
How do I find crossword answers for historical terms?
When solving crosswords with historical or obscure terms, try thinking about synonyms, historical context, and common prefixes/suffixes. Consulting historical glossaries, specialized dictionaries, or reliable crossword helper sites can also be very useful.