Final answer:
William, Duke of Normandy, known as William the Conqueror, defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 AD, marking the end of the Anglo-Saxon period and the beginning of Norman rule in England.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Battle of Hastings in 1066 AD was a pivotal event that concluded the Anglo-Saxon period in England. This significant battle saw the defeat of English King Harold by William, Duke of Normandy, also known as William the Conqueror. After his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William became the first Norman King of England, symbolizing the end of Anglo-Saxon dominance and the beginning of a new era marked by Norman rule.
Leading up to this moment, England, divided into several kingdoms, had faced continuous challenges, including those from the Danes who had established colonies. It was only after King Alfred of Wessex's substantial defeat of the Danes in 878 that an English kingdom began to solidify. However, internal disputes and external threats persisted until William's invasion in 1066.
The Bayeux Tapestry, a remarkable piece of embroidery measuring almost 230 feet in length, commemorates the battle and the struggle for the English throne between William and Harold. The tapestry provides an illustrative depiction of this historical event, spotlighting William's successful conquest to claim the throne.