Final answer:
The nobility in 1066 England, shaped by the Norman conquest and the feudal system, adhered to a strict social hierarchy and the practice of primogeniture. The Battle of Hastings significantly impacted their roles, with chivalry and Christian ideals influencing noble conduct. Royal dwellings reflected Islamic architectural influences and symbolized the opulence of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Christian nobles in 1066 were a significant part of England's feudal system and sociopolitical landscape during the High Middle Ages. Feudalism was a prevalent form of political organization at the time, where knights and lower-status nobles owed military service to their overlords in exchange for the right to rent lands and manors. The Battle of Hastings in 1066, led by William, Duke of Normandy, was pivotal in establishing Norman control over England, reshaping the nobility and their roles.
The social hierarchy was rigid, with royalty at the top and commoners at the bottom. Wealth and land were traditionally inherited through primogeniture, often excluding women from land ownership and making marriage a vital factor in determining their social standing. The Christianized society aspired to ideals such as chivalry, although these ideals were challenging to enforce in practice. Additionally, royal dwellings and gardens of the time often drew upon Islamic architecture and horticultural practices, illustrating the cultural influences that pervaded medieval Europe.
Christian nobles and their lifestyles were profoundly influenced by events like the Crusades and reformist movements within the Church, which sought to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate warfare, further impacting the code of conduct expected from the knightly class.