We love history. The more the better. Climb every mountain, ford every stream? That’s us. The more you learn about history, the more you’ll understand why history is history, and why things happen. And why they happen again and again.
Most historians are sensible, down-to-earth and eminently curious. They love their work and they love to work together, with no silly squabbles, no hysterics, no ” Look at me! Look at me! So when a recent squabble appeared about how old the Bayeux Tapestry was and who actually owns it turned into a hissy fit, it made first page news. The thing is, the Bayeux Tapestry is worth all of this. What makes the Bayeux Tapestry so inviting, spellbinding and, now, a target of historic arguments. The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most compelling, cinematic, and enduring artifacts of the medieval world. Stretching nearly 70 meters (230 feet) long, this 11th-century masterpiece chronicles the monumental drama of the 1066 Norman Conquest of England, culminating in the bloody Battle of Hastings. It has fascinated viewers for nearly a millennium because it is much more than a simple history lesson—it is a masterful piece of political theater, a historical thriller, and a deep archaeological mystery. Here is what makes the Bayeux Tapestry so incredibly fascinating: The Ultimate Irony: It’s a Lie on Two Levels
It Isn’t Actually a Tapestry: True tapestries are woven directly on a loom. The Bayeux Tapestry is actually a colossal piece of embroidery—painstakingly hand-stitched with colored woolen yarns onto panels of bleached linen cloth using needles. Also, The Illusion of Motion: Long before the invention of cinema, the anonymous creators of the tapestry figured out how to convey high-speed action. You can see the wind whipping through the sails of Viking-style longships, horses tumbling headfirst over defensive trenches, and soldiers building. You can spend days basking in its mystery, but you can also see it yourself. Be aware, it moves from place to place, but the to and fro is worth it. This silliness will eventually subside, but don’t miss it. The video here will shed some light.
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