Harold II, more commonly known as Harold Godwinson, was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, reigning from January 6, 1066 until his death at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. Born into a prominent family, Harold rose through the ranks of the English court, becoming Earl of Wessex in 1057 and eventually succeeding King Edward the Confessor to the throne. Harold's reign was short-lived, as he faced challenges from both within England and abroad. His claim to the throne was disputed by William, Duke of Normandy, who invaded England in September 1066. The two armies met at the Battle of Hastings, where Harold was defeated and killed, marking the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in England and the beginning of the Norman era.
