Surprise · Medieval Art
Not a Tapestry at All
The Bayeux Tapestry
The question
Despite its name, the famous Bayeux Tapestry is not actually a tapestry. What is it?
- An embroidery(correct answer)
- A painted wall hanging
- A knotted carpet
The answer: An embroidery
The Bayeux Tapestry is really an embroidery: wool thread stitched onto linen cloth, not woven like a true tapestry. Nearly 70 metres long, it tells the story of William, Duke of Normandy, who became King of England in 1066 after the Battle of Hastings. Made in the 11th century, it is listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World programme.
- Civilization
- Medieval Normandy and England
- Region
- Western Europe
- Period
- 11th century
- Location
- Bayeux, Normandy, France
- Featured in
- Daily Discovery #005 · 6 November 2026
Image: Myrabella, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped) (image source, opens in a new tab)
Three new discoveries every day
A little mystery. A little history. About 90 seconds.
Play Today’s Discoveries