One of history's most famous battles could be rewritten by long-lost papal letter

A papal letter discovered in Vatican archives indicates Pope Alexander II provided backing for William the Conqueror's 1066 invasion of England, according to Vatican officials who authenticated the document. The letter suggests Alexander II favored William's claim over that of King Harold Godwinson, whose kingdom maintained ties to a rival papal faction. Vatican archivists dated the letter to the period before the Norman invasion. Historians have long debated the extent of papal support for William's campaign; the letter's discovery may clarify that historical question.

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