English (Civ5)/1066: Year of Viking Destiny/Civilopedia

With the death of Edward the Confessor in 1065, the English throne was quickly awarded to Harold Godwinson by the council of English noblemen known as the “Witenagemot”. Not long after, invasions by the Norwegian King Harald Hardrada and more importantly William, Duke of Normandy, would change the political landscape of England forever. Successfully defeating Harald at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in September of 1066, Godwinson would have to quickly regroup and head south to face William only a few short weeks later. However, the Norman armies led by William would prove too much for Godwinson. They would crush Harold's forces at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, leaving Harold dead and England open for the taking.