Define the following terms:

1. Claimant:

A person who claims a right to a throne or position of power.

2. Legitimacy:

The acceptance that a ruler's claim to power is valid and lawful.

3. Succession:

The process by which a throne is passed from one monarch to another.

4. Witenagemot:

An assembly of noblemen and clergy who advised the king and played a role in choosing successors.

5. Harold Godwinson:

The powerful Earl of Wessex who was crowned King of England in 1066.

6. Normans:

People from Normandy, France, who claimed the English throne and fought against Harold in 1066.

7. Battle of Hastings:

The decisive battle in 1066 where William of Normandy defeated Harold Godwinson.

8. Feudal system:

A social system where land was exchanged for loyalty and military service.

Compare:

The concept of legitimacy versus power. How might a ruler's claim be considered legitimate but not powerful?

Outline:

Outline the main reasons why Harold Godwinson was considered a strong contender for the throne.