00:00The Battle of Astings took place during the Norman conquest of England on October 14, 1066.
00:05about ten kilometers northwest of the town of Astings, in the eastern sector.
00:10It pitted the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, Harold Godwinson, against William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, who won
00:17a decisive victory.
00:18Astings's work is part of the succession crisis triggered by the death of King Edward the Confessor of England in
00:24January 1066.
00:26Elected and crowned Edward's successor, Harold must face invasions launched by claimants to the crown.
00:32King Harald Ardrada of Norway arrived on September 25th at Stamford Bridge, Yorkshire, but, during this
00:38At that time, Duke William of Normandy landed in the south of the country, more than 350
00:43kilometers.
00:45Harold rushes to meet him at a forced march.
00:47The battle lasted from morning until evening on October 14th.
00:50Positioned atop Senlac Hill, the English troops resisted the first enemy assaults behind their wall of
00:56shield.
00:57The Normans then resorted to a ruse.
01:00The left wing feigned to flee before turning against the English who were in pursuit.
01:04The English army gives way and disbands after Harold's death.
01:07Thanks to his victory, the Duke of Normandy was able to march to London and was crowned King of England on
01:12Christmas Day in Westminster.
01:14Even though the Norman conquest of England was not completed until several years later, the Battle of Astings
01:20marks a turning point in the history of England, inaugurating the Anglo-Norman period.
