With 1066, Professor Jennifer Paxton's exciting and historically rich six-lecture course, experience for yourself the drama of this dynamic year in medieval history-centering on the Norman Conquest of England that would dramatically reshape both English and Western history. Taking you from the shores of Scandinavia and France to the battlefields of the English countryside, this course plunges you into a world of fierce Viking warriors, powerful noble families, politically charged marriages, tense succession crises, epic military invasions, and more.
1066: The Year That Changed Everything
Gain a greater understanding of a year full of pivotal changes, including what led up to it, what happened during that fateful year, and everything that would come afterward.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
stachel64 from
Great Balancing Act
I have to admit, listening to Professor Paxton go from one event to the next, all while balancing the narratives was riveting! It makes me think of watching someone spin a number of plates on sticks. She did a phenomenal job highlighting the individual's contribution while also providing an empathetic feel for all these characters as between William and his wife, Aethelred and Emma, etc. It made me think deeper about these topics. I could tell that she really enjoyed getting to know this cast. She made a possibly confusing interplay interesting and fun!
Date published: 2024-12-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
AndyG from
A compact and effective learning program
Although shorter than most of the history learning programs, this is a very useful offering as it is focused on a single but primary turning point in western civilization. Despite many peoples' vague awareness of the Battle of Hastings and of the importance of the year 1066, it is likely that most have very little specific understanding of the "what, where, how and thereafter" of the Norman conquest of England. This program of study helps to fill those voids in a compact and effective way.
Date published: 2024-10-28
Rated 2 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Kind of boring
It seems to be old. There are not many graphics. I did like the information in the final reel.
Date published: 2024-03-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Fiorella from
Very clear, well organized overview
I recently read "William the Conqueror" by David Bates, which is an excellent book. It is the culmination of his 30 years' academic study of the subject. However, that book is rather dense and very scholarly. I got a bit lost in the details. This course by Professor Jennifer Paxton helped by providing a very clear, well organized overview. She also included many interesting aspects such as the merging of Normans with English: many bilingual offspring, interpenetration of the two languages (French and English) which greatly enriched the English language in particular, changes in the English church, the founding of Oxford University (1160 AD) after many Norman-English students were sent to the famous university in Paris, the change of orientation from England to Scandinavia switching after the Conquest to an English orientation to Normandy and the European Continent, etc. I also found her explanation of William's military strategy strengths very interesting. The genealogy charts and maps were very helpful visuals. Prof.Paxton is very articulate and explains everything very clearly. I definitely recommend this course.
Date published: 2023-12-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
RoscoeMc from
Great coverage of an important point in history
England has never been invaded since 1066. Raided, yes (vikings), invaded, no. So, why then? This course shows exactly why and why William was so focused on not only raiding but in keeping the kingdom. A great coverage of a very complicated subject. Wel worth the time.
Date published: 2023-03-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Tbird from
1066 is 100% interesting
I bought just the audio and it was perfect! This professor certainly presented some details that were entertaining and did it well. Now I am more informed and want to look into this history even more.
Date published: 2023-02-25
Rated 5 out of
5
by
czechm8d from
Interesting Short Course
This was a perfectly sized 6 video course that describes what is probably the most impactful event in the history of England. Dr. Paxton clearly knows her material and the display of a comprehensive genealogical chart to explain the various claimants to the English throne is absolutely indispensable. There are simply too many Edgars, Edwards, and AEthelreds to keep track of, not to mention the AElgifus, Agathas, and Ediths. If history is your bag and you want to learn why 1066 is the year everything changed for good in England, this is your course
Date published: 2023-01-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
MezzoKat from
Fascinating series of lectures
The causes of the Battle of Hasting, how it was conducted, how Normans and English eventually became one people, and the importance of this battle were all presented in an interesting and thorough manner. Thanks to The great Courses and to Jennifer Paxton, PhD for this great course.
Date published: 2023-01-21
Overview
About
Jennifer Paxton is a Clinical Associate Professor of History at The Catholic University of America. She is also the director of the University Honors Program. She received her PhD in History from Harvard University, where she also taught and earned a Certificate of Distinction in Teaching. She is a widely published, award-winning writer and a highly regarded scholar, earning both a Mellon Fellowship in the Humanities and a Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship.
Trailer
01: The Norman Conquest through History
What makes 1066 such a pivotal year in the history of Western civilization? How has the meaning of the Norman Conquest been debated and interpreted over time? And how did two weddings-between the English king Aethelred and the duke of Normandy's sister, Emma, and then, after the death of Aethelred, Emma's marriage to the Danish king Cnut-lay the groundwork for this tumultuous moment? Find out in this lecture that provides crucial information for grasping the Norman Conquest.
33 min
02: England and Normandy before the Conquest
Take a closer look at the half-century between the Danish conquest of England in 1016 and the fateful year of 1066-a chaotic time when power was up for grabs. Two figures were crucial during this time. The first: Edward the Confessor, who succeeded to the English throne in 1042 but was dominated by the powerful Godwinsons. The second: William the Bastard, the ruler of Normandy, who brought the Norman nobles under control and then set his sights on conquering England.
34 min
03: The Succession Crisis in England
Investigate how the relationship between Edward the Confessor and William the Bastard put England and Normandy on a collision course when the childless King Edward had to plan the succession to the English throne. You'll focus on Edward's plans for succession, meet the contenders to the throne, and learn how Harold Godwinson achieved victory at the Battle of Stamford Bridge-only to face another invasion of England from the south.
34 min
04: The Battle of Hastings
Revisit one of the most important moments in English history: the Battle of Hastings, after which the island nation-and the entire Western world-would never be the same. Dr. Paxton reveals how the Normans mustered up enough men and ships for their invasion; investigates some intriguing mysteries and controversies about the invasion; explains the tactics of medieval warfare; and provides a blow-by-blow account of the battle.
33 min
05: Completing the Conquest
It took several years for William the Conqueror to consolidate the gains he made at the Battle of Hastings. Learn how he used a combination of diplomacy and clever military tactics to take control of London without a fierce battle; how he won over the church so that he could get himself crowned king; how he spent the early years of his reign responding to various rebellions in the northern part of the country; and more.
35 min
06: The Aftermath of the Conquest
Why does the Norman Conquest matter? Take a closer look at the relationship between the Normans and the English in the generations immediately following the conquest, with a focus on the myriad ways that Norman and English culture intermingled. You'll realize the ultimate legacy of this vital year: the transition of England into the European mainstream.
35 min
