The Battle of Hastings 1066

The Romans

Julius Caesar invades Britannia 55-54 BC The Saxons

Departure of Romans in A.D. 410 Saxons, Angles, and Jutes Britain became England

The Vikings Invasion begins in the 9th Century

Background of England

The Romans The Franks The Vikings The Duchy of Normandy

Background of Normandy

Why the battle

happened? King Ethelred the

Unready(978) Married Emma (1007) Alfred, Edward, and

Goodwife King Canute (1016)

Also King of Denmark King Hardecante (1035) Alfred murdered (1036) Edward became Heir King Hardecante died

(1042)

The Godwins Godwin Edith married Edward (1045) Eustace involved in a fracas

(1051) Edward ordered the town be

burned Godwin refused William the Duke of

Normandy Godwin returned Harold Godwinson became

King Harold II (1066)

William the Conqueror was the first to

completely take over Britain Dramatically altered the history of Europe Demonstrates a successful Amphibious

Operation

Significance

Leaders

King Harold II Defeated the Wales

in a series of campaigns (1062-63)

William I Began fighting

battles at the age of 19

Secured Normandy in 1047 after The Battle of Val-ès-Dunes

Comparing Forces

English 6000 Fyrd

40 day militea Farming tools Kite shields

1200 Housecarls Bill and Spears Kite Shields

Possibly a few archers No Cavalry

Normans 700 ships 7500 Infantry

Battleaxe or Lance Kite Shield

3600 Knights Battleaxe, Spear, and

Sword Kite Shield

1000 Archers 100 yard range

September 1066 Harald Hardrada Tostig Godwinson Ended 25 September

Norwegian Invasion

28 September – Landed near Pevensey Harold rushed south William set up camp overlooking Hasting 13 October Harold lead his troop to Senlac Hill 7 miles NW of Hastings William went on the defense

Norman Invasion

14 October 1066

No statistics Reinforcement arrived Marched to London Saxon delegation surrender to William in

Berkhamstead William was crowned King of England on

Christmas Day, 1066 Later defeated the Scots and Welsh

The Aftermath

Levels of War

King Harold II Policy

Protect England Strategic

Destroy Enemy Operational

Senlac Hill Tactical

Ambush

William the Conqueror Policy

Conquer England Strategic

Take London Operational

Land forces at Pevensey Tactical

Offensive/Defense

The Landing Itself Is Rarely the Key Problem The Amphibious Invasion Is a Means to an

End, Not an End in Itself The Influence of Terrain and Geography

Themes of Amphibious Operations

Offensive

FundamentalsGood

Orient on the enemy Gain and maintain contact Develop the situation Concentrate superior firepower at the

decisive time and place Exploit known enemy weaknesses Gain and retain the initiative Neutralize the enemy’s ability to react Advance by fire and maneuver Maintain momentum. Act quickly Exploit success Be flexible Be aggressive Provide for the security of the force

Bad Achieve surprise Seize or control key

terrain

Questions