The historical event associated with the year 1066 is the Norman Conquest of England. This pivotal event began when William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invaded England, claiming the throne from King Harold II. The decisive battle took place at Hastings, where Harold was defeated on October 14, 1066. The conquest significantly altered the cultural and political landscape of England, leading to the establishment of Norman rule. It also facilitated the integration of Norman culture, language, and governance, profoundly influencing English society, laws, and architecture for centuries to come.