This is History: A Dynasty to Die For Season 1 | 9. Conquest
Oct 18, 2022
In the wake of Thomas Becket’s murder, King Henry II's authority is at stake. To divert attention, he targets Ireland, where a small band of knights prepares to face fierce local warriors. A brutal cattle charge leads to shocking violence, showcasing the harsh realities of warfare. The conflicts spark political intrigue and revenge, paving the way for English dominance in Ireland. As family chaos unfolds, Henry's decisions reveal the turbulent consequences of his desperate actions in both realms.
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Becket Murder's Political Fallout
- Thomas Becket's murder deeply damaged Henry II's standing with the Pope and Europe.
- The resulting interdict threatened all church services in England, imperiling Henry's political power.
Ireland Invasion's Papal Justification
- Henry II saw Ireland as a strategic target and justification via the papal bull Laudabiliter.
- The invasion began as support for an Irish ruler's claim but evolved into a significant expansion of Plantagenet power.
Cows as Weapons in Battle
- Raymond the Fat used a stampeding herd of cows to panic and scatter a much larger Irish force.
- His men then attacked, causing chaos, and brutally beheaded prisoners thrown over cliffs.
