The Battle of Hastings, fought on October 14, 1066, was a pivotal moment in English history, marking the end of Anglo-Saxon rule and the beginning of Norman control over England. https://m.primal.net/LVlt.png The events leading up to the battle were steeped in political intrigue and rivalry. When the English king Edward the Confessor died without an heir, a power struggle ensued. https://m.primal.net/LVlw.png Harold Godwinson, one of the most powerful nobles in England, was crowned king, but this claim was immediately challenged by William, Duke of Normandy. William asserted that Edward had promised him the throne and that Harold had even sworn an oath of loyalty to him. Determined to enforce his claim, William gathered an army and prepared to invade England. https://m.primal.net/LVlx.png Before William could reach England, Harold was forced to fend off another invasion from the north. Harold Hardrada, the King of Norway, also claimed the English throne and attacked from Scandinavia. Harold Godwinson managed to defeat Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, but his forces were weakened and exhausted. Just days later, William landed on the southern coast of England, forcing Harold to march his army south to meet this new threat. https://m.primal.net/LVmB.png The Battle of Hastings itself took place near the town of Hastings, where Harold's army, made up mostly of infantry, faced William's mixed force of cavalry, archers, and infantry. The battle was long and brutal, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Harold's forces initially held strong, forming a shield wall that repelled several Norman attacks. However, William's troops eventually employed a feigned retreat, drawing the English soldiers out of position. This tactic proved effective, and in the chaos that followed, Harold was struck down—legend says he was killed by an arrow to the eye—leaving the English forces leaderless and vulnerable. By the end of the day, William emerged victorious, earning him the title of William the Conqueror. https://m.primal.net/LVmD.png The consequences of the Battle of Hastings were profound. William’s victory led to the Norman Conquest of England, reshaping the country’s political, cultural, and linguistic landscape. Norman rule replaced the Anglo-Saxon elite, and William established a centralized feudal system. Over the following years, Norman influence would change English architecture, law, and even the language itself, as French became the language of the court and administration. https://m.primal.net/LVmF.png The Bayeux Tapestry, a nearly 70-meter long embroidered cloth, is one of the most famous depictions of the events leading up to and including the Battle of Hastings. It was likely commissioned by William’s half-brother, Bishop Odo, and created in the 1070s, not long after the battle itself. https://m.primal.net/LVmH.png The tapestry is a visual record of the conquest, showing key events such as Harold’s oath to William, the preparations for the invasion, and the battle itself, including Harold’s death. https://m.primal.net/LVmM.png Although not a neutral account, the tapestry provides an invaluable glimpse into how the Normans wanted their conquest to be remembered. Its detailed scenes offer a remarkable look at medieval warfare, armor, and even daily life, making it one of the most important historical artifacts from the 11th century. https://m.primal.net/LVmL.png The Battle of Hastings marked the dawn of a new era in English history, with the Bayeux Tapestry standing as both a commemorative artwork and a powerful tool of Norman propaganda, celebrating William’s rise and the dramatic shift that followed his victory. https://m.primal.net/LVmS.png These "on this day" posts are inspired by my love of the greatest minds of the Western canon. It is in this spirit that I post these tidbits for the #bitcoin community as a way to bring beauty and knowledge to the world. https://m.primal.net/LIwG.jpg