Final answer:
The third phase of the Battle of Hastings involved William changing his battle strategy, where his effective use of the Norman cavalry contributed significantly to scattering the Saxon defenses and eventually securing victory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The third phase of the Battle of Hastings saw a significant change in strategy by William the Conqueror. William's tactical use of cavalry, as depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, played a pivotal role during this phase. The Norman cavalry, known for their ability to quickly advance and retreat, helped to scatter Harold's defenses, allowing Norman infantry to advance. This strategic shift was instrumental in the Normans' eventual victory. Furthermore, the Bayeux Tapestry provides visual evidence of the eleventh-century battle gear, which included conical steel helmets, mail shirts for the cavalry, and various weapons like spears and axes for the foot soldiers, underscoring the warfare's brutal nature shown through images of mortally wounded men and horses.