What is an oath in Anglo-Saxon practice?

• A. A solemn promise sworn on holy relics
• B. A tax collected by the king
• C. A group of ten households
• D. A unit of land

Answer: (A)

Oaths in Anglo-Saxon practice were solemn promises binding a person to tell the truth or keep a commitment, and they were reinforced by sacred witnesses or objects. Swearing on holy relics gave the pledge divine sanction, making it harder to break and more authoritative in disputes, courts, and oaths of fealty. This reflects how religion and law were deeply intertwined in early medieval England—people believed divine power backed honest promises, and failing to keep an oath carried spiritual consequences. The other options point to different aspects of society (finances, social units, or land measurement) rather than the act of making a binding promise itself.