Weight in Anglo-Saxon units

The Anglo-Saxons, a group of people who lived in England from the 5th to the 11th centuries, had their own system of weights and measures. These units were based on the body, everyday objects, and natural resources, and were widely used for trade and commerce. In this article, we will explore the weight measurements used by the Anglo-Saxons and how they differed from the modern metric system.

One of the primary units of weight used by the Anglo-Saxons was the pound, known as a “pund” in Old English. However, it is important to note that the Anglo-Saxon pound was not the same as the modern pound. The Anglo-Saxon pound was roughly equivalent to 0.72 pounds in the modern system. This means that their pound was lighter than the pound we use today.

To break down the pound into smaller units, the Anglo-Saxons used a system based on 16. Similar to modern ounces, they had a unit known as an “unche” which was equal to 1/16th of a pound. Similarly, they had a “halfunche” which was half of an “unche” or 1/32nd of a pound. These smaller units were useful for weighing smaller items or fractions of a pound.

In addition to the pound, the Anglo-Saxons had other units of weight that were based on natural resources or everyday objects. For example, they used a unit called a “ortgang” which was the weight of 8 barleycorns. This measurement was often used for precious metals like gold and silver.

Another interesting unit of weight used by the Anglo-Saxons was the “munth”, which was the weight of 20 silver pennies. This measurement was used in the trading of coins, and it helps us understand the economic system of the time.

The Anglo-Saxons also had a unit called a “loric”, which was the weight of a sheet of prepared parchment. This measurement was often used for writing materials and documents. It is fascinating to see how weight measurements were applied to various aspects of everyday life during this period.

Comparing the Anglo-Saxon weight units to the modern metric system, we can see some significant differences. For example, the Anglo-Saxon pound was lighter than the modern pound. Furthermore, the use of natural resources or everyday objects to define weight units is quite different from the abstract and standardized units of the metric system.

It is important to note that the Anglo-Saxon weight units were not completely uniform across the whole of England. Different regions might have had variations in their systems, and weights could vary from place to place. However, despite these variations, the use of the pound and smaller units based on 16 was generally widespread.

The Anglo-Saxon units of weight provide us with a fascinating insight into the daily lives and trading practices of this historical period. While they may seem archaic and different from our modern system, they served their purpose for several centuries. Understanding these units helps us appreciate the complexity and diversity of systems that have evolved over time.

In conclusion, the Anglo-Saxon units of weight, such as the pound, unche, ortgang, munth, and loric, were an integral part of trade and commerce in England during the 5th to the 11th centuries. These units were based on the body, natural resources, and everyday objects. While different from our modern metric system, they played a crucial role in the economic and cultural development of the Anglo-Saxon society.