Final answer:
The Battle of Hastings in 1066 marked the end of the Anglo-Saxon rule and a major shift in English culture. King Harold's defeat led to William the Conqueror establishing Norman rule over England, thus beginning the Middle Ages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical event that marks the end of the Anglo-Saxon rule and brings about a major shift in English culture is the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This significant confrontation took place between the Norman-French army of William, the Duke of Normandy, and the English army led by Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson. King Harold was killed in battle, which led to William the Conqueror establishing Norman rule over England.
Anglo-Saxon rule was characterized by multiple kingdoms scattered across England and the influence of Germanic culture from regions now known as Denmark and Germany. The end of this period was marked by the harmonization of these kingdoms into a single, centralized government under the Normans. This transition profoundly altered the culture, language, and governance of England, marking the beginning of the Middle Ages in the region.
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