Stirrup to Longbow

How did the composition of the two armies in the Battle of Hastings differ?

• William had more infantry.

• Harold's troops were battle-hardened.

• William's archers used longbows.

• Nearly half of Harold's forces were farmers.

What was the Saxons' mistake?

• Charging down to level ground.

• Retreating from the Normans' shield wall.

• Staying put at the top of the hill.

• Running away after Harold died.

How can we tell that the Normans used the stirrup?

• The way they fought.

• Their huge horses.

• The fact that they won the battle.

• Shields and lances that have been preserved.

Why did the Normans persist in fighting on horseback despite early growing pains?

• It was such a good way to slaughter people.

• They had always done it this way.

• They confused cavalry with chivalry.

How did the knight change the structure of society?

• It was a way to climb the social ladder.

• Outfitting a knight required a lot of wealth.

• Horse-breeding became more important.

Why were tournaments important?

• As entertainment for the masses.

• As a training ground for cavalry.

• As a way to enter the upper classes.

• As a corrupting influence.

What were heraldic symbols for?

• To separate the aristocracy from the peasantry.

• To identify knights in battle.

• To reflect a knight's personal tastes.

What ended the knight's period of domination?

• Gunpowder

• The Welsh longbow

• A deadly horse disease

• The catapult

How were the forces at the battle of Agincourt aligned?

• The French had a far bigger army.

• Knights were Henry's secret weapon.

• The English couldn't get anywhere in the mud.

• French armour was impenetrable to arrows.