What kinds of work did free peasants engage in?

• A. Military and teaching
• B. Farming and craft labor
• C. Fishing and hunting
• D. Mining and metalwork

Answer: (B)

Free peasants primarily engaged in farming and craft labor, which were essential for both their livelihoods and the local economy. As agricultural workers, they cultivated crops and raised livestock, providing food not only for their families but also for their communities and markets. This farming work was complemented by craft labor, where peasants might engage in producing goods such as textiles, pottery, or tools, allowing them to diversify their economic activities and support their households in various ways.

Farming and craft labor enabled free peasants to have a degree of independence and self-sufficiency compared to those in other social classes who relied more heavily on local economies or the state for survival. This dual engagement in agriculture and craftsmanship contributed to the stability and sustainability of rural communities.