“The Bayeaux Tapestry”

The year 1066 with the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest was probably the most important date in the history of England. It marked the end of Anglo-Saxon England and the beginning of Norman England. One of the main sources concerning the Battle of Hastings is the Bayeux Tapestry, a 70 meter long wall-hanging. It is quite unique and has been called the first comic strip. In a combination of pictures and inscriptions it shows not only the battle itself, but also its prehistory, especially Harold's journey to Normandy, where he spent a lot of time together with William, then duke of Normandy. But when Harold had been crowned King of England, William, who claimed the English crown for himself, invaded England and defeated Harold in the Battle of Hastings.

The lecture gives an introduction to the Bayeux Tapestry and points to solved and unsolved questions. A cd of the tapestry will be shown, too.