Battles of 1066

• What are the key military formations and positions shown on the map?

  • King Harold
  • Harold Hadrada & Tostig
  • Eyestein Orre
  • Riccall
• Who was chosen as the new king of England by the nobles?

  Harold Godwinson
• What were the key turning points in the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

  1. Initial Viking shield wall broken by English charge
  2. Fierce fighting on both sides of the river
  3. Hardrada's death leading to Viking collapse
• Who led the Normans in the Battle of Hastings?

  • William led the Normans.
• What can you infer about the scale and intensity of the battle depicted in the image?

  • The image shows a large-scale battle with many combatants engaged in close-quarters combat.
  • The level of detail and complexity in the scene suggests this was a significant, pivotal moment in the history of the civilization.
• When did the Battle of Stamford Bridge occur?

  25 September 1066
• What might the inclusion of the figures and animals in the lower portion of the image suggest about the cultural or symbolic significance of this battle scene?

  They may represent important cultural or mythological elements that provide context for the battle
• What type of warriors are shown in the tapestry?

  Chainmail-clad warriors and archers
• What significant event occurred in England in 1066?

  It was a game-changer for England.
• What was the significance of the Battle of Hastings for William?

  It made him the new king
• Who achieved his claim to the English throne at Hastings?

  William
• Who was defeated at the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

  Harald Hardrada
• What strategy did the English forces use in the battle?

  They launched a surprise attack across the River Derwent
• How do the figures in the lower portion of the image differ in their depiction compared to the warriors above?

  They are shown in a more abstract, stylized manner compared to the detailed depiction of the warriors
• What date is the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

  25th September 1066
• What equipment did the English army use?

  Axes, swords, and round shields
• What were the opposing sides in the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

  • Saxons
  • Vikings
• How did Norman cavalry tactics differ from English tactics?

  Normans used mounted charges, while English used shield walls
• Where did the Battle of Stamford Bridge take place?

  Near York
• What claim did William, Duke of Normandy, make regarding the throne?

  He claimed Edward promised him the throne.
• Why was the throne of England up for grabs in 1066?

  King Edward the Confessor died without an heir.
• What equipment did the Norman army use?

  Mail, shields, and lances
• What were the main claims to the English throne in 1066?

  • Harold Godwinson: Chosen by English nobles
  • William, Duke of Normandy: Claimed promise from Edward
  • Harald Hardrada: Claimed rights through Viking heritage
• What type of scene is depicted in the image?

  • The image depicts an ancient battle scene, with many warriors and soldiers engaged in combat.
• What was the outcome of the claims made by Harold Godwinson, William, and Harald Hardrada?

  They led to major battles for the throne.
• What can you observe about the clothing and equipment of the warriors in the image?

  • The warriors are wearing elaborate, ornate clothing and carrying various weapons and tools.
  • Their attire and equipment suggest they are from a highly advanced, sophisticated civilization.
• What advantage did Norman archers have in the battle?

  They provided superior ranged attacks
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

  King Harold Godwinson defeated Harald Hardrada
• How might the artistic style and techniques used in this image provide insight into the culture and values of the civilization that created it?

  • The intricate, stylized depiction of the warriors and their equipment suggests a highly developed artistic tradition.
  • The emphasis on martial prowess and heroic combat may reflect the cultural values and priorities of this ancient society.
• How did Norman culture impact English traditions?

  It blended with them, changing language and society
• What type of animals are depicted in the lower portion of the image?

  Turtles
• What types of soldiers did the Normans use?

  Horse riders and archers
• Why did the Normans win the Battle of Hastings?

  Their horse riders and archers broke the shield wall
• How did the Normans trick the English during the battle?

  They pretended to run away
• What was one of the main tactics used by the English army?

  Shield wall for ground defense
• What weapons did the English use in the battle?

  Axes and swords
• When did the Battle of Hastings take place?

  October 14, 1066
• If you were an art historian studying this image, how might you use the visual details to draw conclusions about the society that created it?

  The intricate, stylized depiction of the warriors and their equipment would suggest a highly developed artistic tradition and culture that valued martial prowess
• What system did William introduce in England?

  The feudal system
• Where did the Battle of Hastings take place?

  Near modern-day Battle, East Sussex