The shield wall was a common military tactic used by the Normans and the Anglo-Saxons during the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It involved soldiers standing close together with shields overlapping, creating a formidable barrier against enemy attacks.

The effectiveness of the shield wall depended on various factors, including discipline, terrain, and leadership. Understanding these factors helps explain why the battle unfolded as it did.

Historians agree that the shield wall was crucial, but debate which factors made it most successful.

The effectiveness of the shield wall during the Battle of Hastings was influenced by multiple factors. Some of these include the discipline of the soldiers, the terrain, the leadership, and the morale of the troops.

Historians often debate which factor was most critical, but most agree that a combination of these elements contributed to the outcome.

Students should consider all the factors discussed and decide which was most important in ensuring the shield wall's success.

They should justify their rankings with evidence and reasoning, demonstrating their understanding of the battle's complexities.