Bermudo II of Leon vs Harthacnut

Bermudo II suffered a major defeat at the hands of Almanzor at the Battle of Rueda. The Leonese army was routed, and Bermudo was forced to flee. This defeat led to the payment of tribute to Cordoba and a period of Leonese subordination to the caliphate.

Bermudo II formed an alliance with the County of Castile under Count Sancho Garcia to resist Almanzor's campaigns. The alliance included marriage ties and military cooperation, but it failed to prevent further Cordoban incursions into Leonese territory.

Bermudo II's kingdom was invaded by the Cordoban general Almanzor, who captured and sacked the city of Santiago de Compostela, the holiest Christian shrine in Iberia. The city's churches were destroyed, and its bells were taken to Cordoba. This defeat was a profound humiliation for the Leonese king.

Harthacnut became king of England after the death of his half-brother Harold Harefoot. He arrived from Denmark with a fleet and was accepted by the English nobility.

Harthacnut imposed a heavy tax (heregeld) to pay for his fleet. This led to a revolt in Worcester, where two of his tax collectors were killed. Harthacnut burned the city in retaliation.

Harthacnut invited his half-brother Edward (later Edward the Confessor) to return from Normandy and made him his heir. This ensured a peaceful succession after Harthacnut's death.

Harthacnut died at Lambeth on June 8, 1042, while drinking at a wedding feast. His death ended Danish rule in England and led to the restoration of the Anglo-Saxon line under Edward the Confessor.