Tapestry Compare And Contrast Essay

When examining the circumstances that surround the events of conquest, it can be an oversimplification to assume that the dominating group was just more formidable, than that of the subjugated. In actuality, the way that each group is depicted within sourcing can have an enormous effect on how each of the two groups are perceived and this can play into the narrative of the historiography. Examples of this can be seen in two sources of invasion, both within the British Isles, that of the Bayeux Tapestry, and in Gerald of Wales’ The History and Topography of Ireland. While both the Tapestry and Gerald's writing are perspectives on distinct events, they each illustrate the importance of perspective especially within the need for the outside forces
The Bayeux Tapestry itself is known for its depictions of battle preparations and the fighting in which William of Normandy gained England. For Gerald of Wales, the military operations within Ireland are not his primary focus, but much can be inferred from his notes of the inefficient military behaviors of the Irish. Both sources reflect on the actual technological weaponry used during the time, both by the Normans and the groups that they are attempting to subjugate. These in turn create a perception of an overwhelming occupation force, in which the indigenous population could never expect to
Within the Tapestry, this is depicted within the one-sidedness of the aforementioned battle preparations. This is seen from both the ability of the Normans to construct the boats needed to cross the Channel, the quick building of the motte-and-bailey castles for defence, and even in the number of forces that William was able to procure for the invasion. Although much of this can be attested to the perspective of the embroidery being from a pro-Norman viewpoint, it still nonetheless attests to an organized battle on the side of William pitted against a rushed Anglo-Saxon conglomeration. In actuality, this perhaps reflects the fact that the Anglo-Saxons, under King Harold, had recently faced two other invasions to the north. This is of no mention within the Tapestry, an omission that gives the Normans the appearance of defeating fierce army, but still allows for the depiction that Herlands force that was the lesser military