Last week's session covered language development and the relationship between the British Isles (particularly England) and Scandinavia.
Introduction to Today's Session
The session will primarily focus on history, specifically the year 1066.
1066 is the one date that students need to remember from the course.
Discussion on the Assigned Reading
The assigned text, likely Aleksandr's movement, challenges common perceptions of Vikings.
One participant likened the text to Beowulf, finding it historical but critical of the Vikings.
The article aims to rehabilitate mediaeval Scandinavians, although some found the language harsh.
The term "Viking" is often misused due to ignorance, even though research tools are readily available.
The article is an essay presenting a specific viewpoint, which may be exaggerated for rhetorical effect.
The widespread knowledge and interest in Vikings can be leveraged to educate people about their true history.
The romanticised view of Vikings is similar to that of 17th and 18th-century pirates.
The text encourages differentiating between various groups and their activities within Scandinavia.
The 19th Century's Influence on Historical Interpretation
The 19th century was crucial in shaping historical understanding due to:
History becoming an academic discipline.
History being integrated into the school curriculum.
Rise of nationalism and the Romantic era.
Concepts like the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy and the fall of Rome were simplified and used to promote national agendas.
The portrayal of Vikings in the 19th century was influenced by the "them versus us" mentality and romanticised views of adventurers.
Shifting Roles of Scandinavians: From Raiders to State Builders
The 8th and 9th centuries saw Vikings primarily engaged in raiding and pillaging.
The 10th and 11th centuries marked a shift towards colonisation and state building.
King Cnut, mentioned last week, exemplifies this transition from a pirate to a king involved in European politics.
The Significance of Normandy
Normandy, located in northern France (the orange area on the map), is a crucial area of Scandinavian settlement.
While Vikings did raid and pillage European coasts, defence strategies emerged.
One strategy involved paying off the Vikings to prevent attacks, which sometimes led to increased demands.
In 911, King Charles VII of West Frankia (France) made a deal with Rollo, a Scandinavian leader, granting him land in exchange for defending it.
This land became known as Normandy, the land of the Northmen (Normanni).
Differentiating Vikings from Normans
It's important to distinguish between Vikings/pirates and Normans, who were Scandinavian descendants establishing polities in areas like northern France and southern Italy.
Normans integrated well into French society, adopting the language and religion, and becoming powerful nobles.
Queen Emma: A Key Figure
Queen Emma, wife of Ethelred the Unready (an unsuccessful Anglo-Saxon king) and later of Cnut, exemplifies the connections between England, Denmark, and Normandy.
After Ethelred's death and Cnut's conquest, Emma moved to Normandy and later married Cnut, linking him to Anglo-Saxon elites and Normandy.
Emma was a powerful and wealthy woman who played a crucial role behind the scenes.
She connected the Anglo-Saxon kings and the kings of Denmark through her marriages and children.
Emma had sons with both Aethelred and Clude, who later became kings of England.
The Succession Crisis of 1066
After Edward, son of Emma with Aethelred, took over, things seemed perfect from a 19th-century nationalist perspective.
However, Edward died without offspring in January 1066, creating a succession crisis.
Potential Successors to Edward
Edgar Atherton: A surviving Anglo-Saxon prince, but young and in exile in Hungary.
Harold Godwinson: The most powerful Anglo-Saxon noble, but not of royal blood.
Harold Alrada (King of Norway): Claimed to be the legitimate successor based on a vow, asserting the crown should return to Scandinavian hands.
William, Duke of Normandy: Called William the Bastard, a direct descendant of the Duke of Normandy and a distant cousin of Edward. He claimed Edward promised him the throne.
The Events of 1066
The Anglo-Saxons chose Harold Godwinson as their king, angering the other claimants.
Harold of Norway invaded Northern England in September 1066.
Harold Godwinson marched north, defeated the Norwegian army at Stamford Bridge, and killed Harold of Norway.
William of Normandy, who had been waiting to cross the English Channel, landed in England on September 28.
Harold Godwinson had to rush south to face William's invasion with his weakened army.
On October 14, 1066, the two armies met outside Hastings (Battle).
The Normans, with superior warfare technology (fighting from horseback), defeated the Anglo-Saxons, and William the Bastard became William the Conqueror.
William was crowned King of England on December 25, 1066.
William spent years subduing rebellions, but ultimately, he was successful, and the current British monarch is a descendant of William the Conqueror.
The Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry is a visual document depicting the Norman Conquest of England.
It is not actually a tapestry but an embroidery.
It is 70 meters long and presents the events in a comic-strip style.
Created close to the actual events (before 1100), possibly by people who witnessed them.
The tapestry is a valuable source of information about fashion, material culture, and warfare.
It is crucial to recognise how it is a biased document reflecting the Norman perspective.
Key Scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry
Edward Rex conversing with Harold Dux-Anglorum (Harold, the Duke of England).
Harold's journey to the land of Count Guido, where he is taken prisoner.
William sending messengers to Guido and eventually receiving Harold.
Harold and William becoming friends and embarking on a military expedition to Brittany.
The Norman army, with Harold's help, defeats Conan of Brittany.
Harold taking an oath (sacramentum fecit) to William in Bayeux.
Harold returning to England and speaking with the frail and old Edward.
Edward's death and burial in Westminster Abbey.
Harold being crowned king of England.
The appearance of Harry's comet as a divine sign disapproving of Harold's actions.
William ordering the construction of ships to invade England.
The Normans loading ships with supplies, including wine and warhorses (all male).
William's fleet sailing across the English Channel.
The Normans setting up camp in Hastings and preparing for battle.
The Norman and Anglo-Saxon armies clashing at the Battle of Hastings.
William removing his helmet to show he is still alive, dispelling rumours of his death.
Harold's death (Harald Interfectus Est), traditionally depicted as being shot in the eye with an arrow.
The Normans chasing the fleeing English (Anglais), while being themselves labeled as French (Francs), highlighting their integration into the French culture.
Bias in the Bayeux Tapestry
The tapestry presents the story from a Norman perspective.
It emphasizes Norman strength and superiority.
It portrays William's claim to the throne as legitimate but undermined by Harold's betrayal.
It sets up Harold as a worthy opponent to magnify the Norman victory.
The Normans' perspective of themselves as culturally French is shown by them being called Francs and the Anglo-Saxons Anglais.
Final points
The lecture ends noting the lack of details about the grand coronation of William on Christmas Day 1066 but the professor invited the students to visit Bayeux and see the tapestry itself.