Final answer:
The first phase of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 did not see an uphill charge by Norman cavalry or a retreat by Harold's army. Instead, the Normans initiated preliminary attacks with archers, followed by infantry and cavalry engagements, which are depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first phase of the Battle of Hastings was not characterized by any of the options provided. Instead, historical accounts suggest that the Normans launched preliminary attacks with archers before the cavalry engaged. The Norman cavalry, skilled and agile, played a significant role in William's tactical approach. This is depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry, which shows the Normans as a cavalry-dominant army, with the cavalry executing charges and being in a position to retreat swiftly, which could disorganize the enemy's defenses and allow for an infantry advance.
While the Norman cavalry indeed charged, it was not uphill during the first phase; the initial uphill charge would have been conducted by infantry to break the Saxon shield wall. The archers did play a role but did not dominate the battlefield, initially being ineffective against the Saxon shield wall. William eventually did have to change his battle strategy as the day went on, but this was not the defining feature of the first phase of the battle. Harold's army did not retreat during the early phases of the battle; they held the higher ground and formed a shield wall to hold their position.
The real highlight of the first phase was the failed attempts by the Norman archers to break the Saxon shield wall, followed by direct attacks by the infantry and cavalry which also initially failed, leading to a prolonged and brutal battle that would last most of the day.