Final answer:
During the fourth phase of the Battle of Hastings, William, Duke of Normandy, changed his battle strategy, utilizing the cavalry's ability to feign retreats and disrupt the English shield wall. This maneuver, depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, showcased the tactical flexibility and dominance of the Norman cavalry which led to the eventual Norman victory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fourth phase of the Battle of Hastings saw a significant change in combat dynamics when William changed his battle strategy. Observations from the Bayeux Tapestry and historical accounts suggest that William's utilization of cavalry was a turning point in the battle. The Norman cavalry, adept at quickly advancing and retreating, played a pivotal role in scattering the Anglo-Saxon defenses and paving the way for infantry to press the attack. This tactical shift, where cavalry feigned retreats to draw out and disorder the enemy infantry before turning to engage them, was instrumental in breaking the defensive shield wall of Harold's forces.
The effectiveness of cavalry during this period is supported by their depiction on the Bayeux Tapestry, where cavalrymen were shown armored with conical steel helmets, mail shirts, and wielding shields and spears, distinct from the foot soldiers. Furthermore, the tapestry illustrates the brutal nature of the conflict, with scenes of mortally wounded men and horses, emphasizing the ferocity and importance of cavalry charges in medieval warfare.
The scene in the tapestry where William's tactical use of cavalry is displayed highlights their formidability in combat, a factor that likely contributed to the Norman victory at Hastings in 1066, as they overwhelmed Harold's army and eventually led England into a new era under Norman rule.