TJ

=__**The Norse (viking) Culture**__=


 * There were 3 social classes in the viking culture**


 * **__Jarls:__ The Jarls are the nobles' the high up wealthy people, But their wealth wasn't only measured by how much money they had. Their wealth was also measured by their followers, treasures, ships, and estates. The only way to be a Jarl is being born in. The eldest son of a Jarl was on the fast track to becoming a Jarl.**
 * **__Karls:__ The Karls Were the middle class people. This was the majority of the population. These were the freemen, land owners, farmers, smiths, and just normal people. Families of Karls usually lived in clusters of 2 or more buildings, typically longhouses with barns or workshops.**
 * __**þræll:**__ **These included the lowest of people in the viking culture, the slaves (who were usually "booty" from raids) and bondsmen. If convicted of theft, you could be handed over as a slave to the person or persons you stole from. If any viking of any class could not pay his debt he would have to work for the man he owed money to until his debt was paid, this is a bondsman.**

=__**In the Viking society the men and women's roles were very distinct**__=

Women were by law under the authority of either their father or husband.She would be prohibited from participating in any government or political meeting, she could not be a judge, witness, or even speak at an assembly. yet women were also respected by the viking community, and had some great freedoms. They managed the families fiances, and ran farms in the husband's absence. When widowed they could be rich and important landowners. They were protected by law from any sort of sexual harassment.

Men were expected to be good travelers, farmers, and warriors. Often first associated with the violent bloody raids. First and foremost they were traders and farmers. Violence wasn't really part of everyday life. Life for a Viking man was much more complex than being a simple barbarian or warrior, although this was still important. Viking men grew up fighting, it was encouraged, and as children they would handle weapons, and work on the family farm or in the family trade. In this way fighting and handling themselves was a natural instinct, but was not their primary job, primary jobs would include farming, trading, metalworking, or controlling a boat.