...So there I was behind the archers, knights on horseback (of course with their squires), and our “righteous” King and his cohorts. Scared does not begin to describe my feelings toward this battle that I did not volunteer for. I am just a mere foot soldier, an arrow cushion for the royals. We arrived a week ago today and it seems today will be the day of days. The Kings from our side and theirs are meeting in the middle of what will soon become the battlefield, or should I just call it what it will become, the resting place of most of us. I hope they work this out peacefully with some concessions. I am getting ahead of myself. When we first arrived we came ashore on boat and well let me just say there was nothing here, unless you count the forest. Well most of that went to constructing the Kings quarters. We found ourselves fighting over firewood to keep warm at night, although keeping warm almost came in second to just rest after our days. We work nonstop from dawn to dusk. It is just us “less” noble by birth that do all the manual labor, while the noble keep watch over us while they drink wine and we build battlements and quarters for the luckier. I find myself praying every night for this to be over, one way or the other, and at this point I am leaning toward the other, which would mean that I will never see any of you again. How I miss home. I know we work for a noble but at least we have a roof over our head and some grog and mead for our bellies. And it...
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...reaction was how cold and damp it was in comparison to the day. Because I had not been there before, I was initially most impressed with the structure more than the art itself. It is clear that people have gone to great lengths to recreate a structure that incorporates all of the elements of medieval times. I am by no means a historian and as a result I am usually stricken by something that appeals to me visually over its historical relevance. Once a piece has me, I like to delve into the history of that particular piece. I made sure to view and experience all of the exhibits that the museum had to offer taking note of what I found esthetically pleasing. I found myself continuously circling back to a room solely lined with these magnificent tapestries. It astonishes me that without the use of modern machines and techniques something...
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...ArtH 111 Midterm Study Guide 1. Menkaure & Khamerernebty • Context-religious This is a Ka sculpture. In Egyptian culture, there is the notion that an energy/spirit/soul, the Ka, survived after the actual body expired. Even though there was no longer a body, the Ka would continue to need shelter and sustenance; the Ka would inhabit the mummy to receive offering from family, worshippers, etc. Because mummies were frequently stolen or destroyed, Ka sculptures were made in case the Ka spirit needed a new shelter. The family could ten continue to bring offerings to the Ka. • Style-period This piece is of the Egyptian Old Kingdom style. It is a freestanding piece, but connected by back to the Greywacke block; this is very characteristic of the period style. As for the form, it is also characteristic in the manner that bilateral symmetry prevails, there are harmonious proportions, and how the lines work to keep the human figure compact. It is also characteristic of the Egyptian Old Kingdom style in the manner of how the portrait establishes a standard representation of Kingship and Queenship. They carry themselves as royalty, are wearing distinctive high status clothing (Headdresses, false beard), and the female’s “womanhood” is very apparent (swollen belly, full breasts, pubic triangle). 2. The Apoxyomenos (“The Scraper”) • Materials The Greek original of this piece was a bronze. Unfortunately, like many other pieces of the time, it was melted down. What...
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...1066 Leading up to the battle Seventeen kings ruled England, either by birth, military force or election by the Witan between 871 A.D and 1087 A.D. The definition of a king was difficult to define in those days. It was more a case of the dominant kingdom, such as Wessex, supplying the king or more accurately, the Bretwalda or overlord. Whilst kingdoms were always on a semi war footing with each other, it is a matter of conjecture who finally could be called the first "KING OF ENGLAND". Many historians consider Athelstan to be the first acknowledged true king of England. Wessex became the predominant Saxon kingdom in England. The southern Kingdom's power was such that thirteen kings from Alfred the Great to Harold II originated or had some affiliation with Wessex. The only diversion were the three Viking kings, Sweyn Forkbeard, Canute and Hardicanute and of course, William I (The Conqueror ) from Normandy. | It must be remembered that in the 10th and 11th centuries, most of Europe was much different to the way it is now. In those days most countries were operating on a feudal system. European countries were not always run as the king and his loyal subjects. Almost without exception, countries were divided up into regions or compartments that had their own ruling bodies and run by Dukes, Earls or Lords. To make matters worse they were usually at one another’s throats in the pursuit of power. The King of the country had little power over these areas or rulers. Normandy...
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...RUNNING HEAD: BAYEUX TAPESTRY LETTER 1 “ Bayeux Tapestry Letter” Tara Brown Professor Dr. Gavin HUM 111-World Cultures I December 3, 2012 This letter was instructed and taught by Professor Dr. Gavin. Dear Brown Family, The Bayeux Tapestry was one of the most unforgettable and successful encounters that I have joined in as Bishop Odo. Odo’s father was Herluin, Viscount of Conteville and Odo’s mother was Herleva whom was the mother of the Duke of Normandy. When he was only nineteen years old, William made him the Bishop of Bayeux where he built a cathedral there. He was the architect who commanded the Bayeux Tapestry. This 230-foot-long, 20-inch high embroidery was one of the most fascinating narratives commissioned by Odo. The entourage of Bishop Odo of Bayeux has successful entrepreneurs and talented scholars. It based on two groups of men who owed his triumph to his support: those who clenched the land from him in his earldom of Kent and persons whose legendary education he nurtured. At the Battle of Hastings, immediately after the English have prevented...
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...RUNNING HEAD: BAYEUX TAPESTRY LETTER 1 “ Bayeux Tapestry Letter” Tara Brown Professor Dr. Gavin HUM 111-World Cultures I December 3, 2012 This letter was instructed and taught by Professor Dr. Gavin. Dear Brown Family, The Bayeux Tapestry was one of the most unforgettable and successful encounters that I have joined in as Bishop Odo. Odo’s father was Herluin, Viscount of Conteville and Odo’s mother was Herleva whom was the mother of the Duke of Normandy. When he was only nineteen years old, William made him the Bishop of Bayeux where he built a cathedral there. He was the architect who commanded the Bayeux Tapestry. This 230-foot-long, 20-inch high embroidery was one of the most fascinating narratives commissioned by Odo. The entourage of Bishop Odo of Bayeux has successful entrepreneurs and talented scholars. It based on two groups of men who owed his triumph to his support: those who clenched the land from him in his earldom of Kent and persons whose legendary education he nurtured. At the Battle of Hastings, immediately after the English have prevented...
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...Bayeux Taprety Dear Family; It is with great pride to let you know that I have survived the Battle of Hastings. We were victorious but it was not an easy venture. We had a meeting about how the trip would be before leaving Normandy. They said that it would only be about 5 hours to get there, but turns out that it took us over 12 hours to reach England. We didn’t think when rushing to make these boats that it would be such a long trip. If we had known we would have built them so they were more stable. I saw Tim bend over on the side of his boat looking very ill. I think he may of got sick from something when smiting the weapons, but it could have just been from the water. He was so ready to fight he put on his uniform as soon as we got them. I on the other hand, decided to keep mine off until we got closer. I did not want to because the chainmail was so heavy and wanted to conserve my strength. The Sun was beaming off the water; it was too hot to have it on. I do wish I was on the Mora Ship. The ship is so elegant and a masterpiece that it is just a honor to be in a fleet with it. The ship has a Dragon figure on the prow and screams war. All the men on the boat knew this was not going to be an easy fight. The thing was we all understood what was right. King Harold stole the crown from King Duke. Harold and his lies will not be taken lightly. The cowardly Harold forgets that there were witnesses, like me. I heard him King Edward tell the room that William will be King...
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...Bayeux Tapestry Experience Keith Walls Professor Jacqueline Trussell Humanities 111 Nov 23 2014 Dear Family, I was just writing you to let you know that the Battle of Hastings is over and we will be able to come home soon, the enemy has been steadily retreating. My cause has been great and I believe I have been able to honor our family name. Let it be known that as a Norman soldier, the Battle of Hastings was one of the most successful and memorable battles that I ever participated in. Since I have volunteered for the war, we have spent the days working hard in the preparation of the ships we were going to be using to sail across the channel. It seemed like every day there were more and more soldiers arriving to help and fight for the cause. To keep the soldiers organized and working efficiently Duke William separated us into groups that would work on the ships, another group would work on weapons at the armory and another group would gather supplies needed for the journey and this battle. As the days past I became more anxious to go to battle, not sure if it was the smell of fresh cut wood or seeing the ships being built or seeing the magnificent weapons that were being crafted and stock piled. I know that the men I am with will fight to the death, we are a brotherhood...
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...RUNNING HEAD: BAYEUX TAPESTRY LETTER 1 “ Bayeux Tapestry Letter” Tara Brown Professor Dr. Gavin HUM 111-World Cultures I December 3, 2012 This letter was instructed and taught by Professor Dr. Gavin. Dear Brown Family, The Bayeux Tapestry was one of the most unforgettable and successful encounters that I have joined in as Bishop Odo. Odo’s father was Herluin, Viscount of Conteville and Odo’s mother was Herleva whom was the mother of the Duke of Normandy. When he was only nineteen years old, William made him the Bishop of Bayeux where he built a cathedral there. He was the architect who commanded the Bayeux Tapestry. This 230-foot-long, 20-inch high embroidery was one of the most fascinating narratives commissioned by Odo. The entourage of Bishop Odo of Bayeux has successful entrepreneurs and talented scholars. It based on two groups of men who owed his triumph to his support: those who clenched the land from him in his earldom of Kent and persons whose legendary education he nurtured. At the Battle of Hastings, immediately after the English have prevented...
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...The Battle Of Hastings The Battle of Hastings was a historic event that occurred on October 14, 1066 during the Norman Conquest of England (Hollister, Stacey, Stacey 126) . The battle was between the Norman-French army that was led by Duke William II of Normandy and the English army under King Harold II because they both believed that they were to succeed King Edward, the late king (Esteves 5-9). The Battle of Hastings is significant because it led to changes in “English law, language, and culture and laid the groundwork for the beginnings of the English feudal system”(Ericson par.1) It was significant because this war ended the Anglo-Saxon period that lasted about 600 years, and really established England is an independent power, under Norman Rule. It was the last time that England was ruled by a foreign power. When King Edward died, William and Harold both had reasons to why they thought they were next in line to take the throne (Esteves 5-9). William, who was the Duke of Normandy, was a cousin of Edward, who was the King of England. Edward died without children in the year of 1066 and supposedly named Harold his heir in the year of 1051(Hollister, Stacey, Stacey 118). The throne was then given to Harold Godwinson, but William claimed that before his death, Edward had promised him that he would be appointed the throne. William considered Harold’s crowning a declaration of war, and planned to fight for the throne that he thought was his. (Hollister, Stacey, Stacey 118,119)...
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...After a hard and long struggle Harold and his brothers were killed in the battle of Hastings and the flower of Saxon nobility lay dead together with them on the battlefield. William captured London and was crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day, 1066. The Norman period in English history had begun. Some historians argue concerning possible ways of English, history, had the Anglo-Saxons defeated William. But History doesn't rely on the Conditional Mood. All the invasions, raids and conquests were contributing new and new waves of peoples to be integrated into a newly appearing nation of the English, to understand which we must know its historical roots, studying historical facts. The Norman Conquest had immediate social, political and cultural implications. The new tough foreign aristocracy captured power and lands. By 1100 there were 500 Norman castles in the English countryside. There was a blow against the Church as well. Normans replaced Saxon bishops. During the 11th and 12th centuries efficient Government was established. England itself was also drawn into close links with the other side of the Channel. But there was a language gap between the local (Anglo-Saxon) population and the new landowners, of both the Church and the Norman Aristocracy. Latin was a language of monasteries; Norman French was now the language of law and authority. English, spoken in the various regions remained the language of the ordinary people.The brightest evidence of the...
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...When King Edward the Confessor died he had no children, consequently there was no official heir to the throne. Harold Godwin was Edwards’s half brother and claimed that Edward had said on his deathbed that he could be the future king, but when he was crowned two other people claimed that they were the rightful heir to the throne and they were prepared to fight for it. These two people were Herald Hadrada and William of Normandy. Herald wanted to be king because his great grandfather ruled briefly in 1016 But William wanted to be king because both Edward and Harold had sworn an oath that he could be the future king, this could only mean one thing. War. Harold had prepared his army on the south coast when news came in that herald had already arrived in the north so the army had to march quickly up to the north to battle herald and his army. They had caught them unprepared and Harold had won within hours. Just as they started the long trek south they received news that William and his army had arrived and were terrorising towns and villages in the south coast. William wanted Harold’s men to have the disadvantage so he had assembled the largest army possible he had also started terrorising nearby houses and stealing from locales so that Harold’s army would rush back and be unprepared and exhausted by the time they got back. When Harold’s men finely arrived he charged as soon as possible, leaving them unprepared. He was a good leader and disciplined his solders well so he kept...
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...The Bayeux Tapestry Experience HUM 111 Dear Family, I’m writing to let you know that I’m alive and well, and that I will be home soon. The battle is over and we came out victorious. This journey that I’ve experienced has been exciting, scary and surreal all at the same time and I wanted to tell you all about it. The battle of Hastings has been the most memorable and successful battle that I’ve ever participated in as a Norman Solider. It was an honor to fight with Duke William for his right to be crowned king. This war all started back when King Edward the Confessor died on January 5, 1066 without an heir. He promised William the English throne before he died. However while on his deathbed King Edward apparently changed his mind and appointed by his will Harold of Wessex his successor instead. (Sayre, 2011)Williams considered himself rightfully the next King since he was promised the throne first. So once he heard the news he set out to gather himself an army. He seeked out the approval of the pope, and around the summer time he assembled an army of noblemen and adventures. He promised us land and titles under his new kingdom. There were around about 7,000 of us troops.(britishbattles.com) Months had gone by since we volunteered to go to war with the English Saxons and we had been working hard in preparing the ships to sail across the Chanel. The sounds of us assembling the ships filled the air. You could smell the fresh wood being cut to make the boards, and hear the...
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...The Battle of Hastings Angelina Minton Professor Chris Sisson – World Culture I June 2, 2013 Abstract The purpose of this paper is to imagine myself as a figure in the Bayeux Tapestry and to write a first- person account in a letter home describing this historical event. In this paper I have described the event in detail and have explained why it was justified for us to raise arms in battle. To My Loving Mother Herleva, Let me start by saying I miss and love you and the family. Things have been very complicated since King Edward died without naming an heir to his throne. Edward's immediate predecessor was to be Harold of Wessex, a wealthy and influential English noble, who was chosen to be king by the Witenagemot of England. However, Harold was challenged by William who demanded that he had been promised the throne by King Edward and that Harold had confirmed this agreement. Harald III of Norway also disputed the succession. His right to the throne was founded on an arrangement between his predecessor Magnus I of Norway, and the earlier King of England Harthacanute, whereby if either died without heirs, the other would inherit both England and Norway. (Wilson, 1985) To add to this confusion Williams and Harald III both began assembling troops and ships for battle. Williams and I spent months preparing our army for battle and we waited for the right time to attack so that William could claim what was rightfully his. Mother you should have seen it...
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...Bayeux Tapestry Experience Selena S. Harris HUM111 – Humanities 111 World Cultures I Dr. Larry Johnson February 18, 2012 Bayeux Tapestry Experience Dear Family, To write this letter home and hope it receives you in secret is one of the most frightful experiences ever, as I am not allowed to reveal the story I am about to tell. I know you’ve been wondering where I’ve been and have seen the embroidery of The Bayeux Tapestry. Surprisingly, I was an actual figure in this work of art and would like to express to you in detail the brief events that took place, my feelings, and elements of experience, and personal satisfaction of involvement. Hopefully this letter will provide to you a better understanding of what I endured and why. While working in the army of William, Duke of Normandy, I found that William laid claim to the English throne, in which Harold Godwinson took position (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 2). It seems that Harold had a formal relationship with King Edward as his esteemed advisor (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 2). Confusion arose in my mind wondering who the rightful heir of England’s throne is. Since I did not want to choose sides, and wanted to consider the facts, I found out that Harold’s claim to the throne was made stronger when King Edward supposedly uttered to Harold on his deathbed: “Into Harold’s hands I commit my kingdom” (Invasion of England 1066, 1997, para. 2). Whereas, William justified his claim by blood...
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