Harald Hardrada vs Ibn Tumart

Harald Hardrada fought at the Battle of Stiklestad at age 15, supporting his half-brother Olaf II. The battle ended in defeat and Olaf's death, forcing Harald into exile. This event shaped his later ambition to reclaim power in Norway.

After Stiklestad, Harald Hardrada traveled to Constantinople and served as a commander in the Varangian Guard of the Byzantine Empire. He fought in campaigns in the Mediterranean, Sicily, and the Balkans, amassing wealth and military experience.

Harald Hardrada returned to Scandinavia and claimed the Norwegian throne, initially co-ruling with Magnus the Good. After Magnus's death in 1047, Harald became sole king of Norway, ruling until 1066. His reign was marked by centralization and conflict with Denmark.

Harald Hardrada launched a prolonged war against Sweyn Estridsson of Denmark, seeking to reclaim the Danish throne. The conflict lasted for years with raids and battles, but Harald failed to conquer Denmark, eventually making peace in 1064.

Harald Hardrada invaded England in September 1066, claiming the English throne. He was defeated and killed by King Harold Godwinson's forces at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. His death marked the end of the Viking Age and the last major Viking invasion of England.

Ibn Tumart proclaimed himself the Mahdi, the guided one, after returning from the East. He began preaching a strict reformist message, condemning the Almoravids for their perceived religious laxity and calling for a return to the Quran and Sunnah.

Ibn Tumart founded the Almohad movement (al-Muwahhidun) in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. He organized his followers into a disciplined religious and military community, rejecting the Almoravid interpretation of Islam and advocating for tawhid (strict monotheism).

Ibn Tumart compiled his teachings into a book titled 'A'azz ma Yutlab' (The Most Precious of What is Sought). This work outlined the Almohad doctrine, emphasizing the unity of God and rejecting anthropomorphism, and became the foundation of the movement's ideology.

Ibn Tumart's Almohad forces were defeated by the Almoravids at the Battle of al-Buhayra near Marrakech. This setback prevented the Almohads from capturing the Almoravid capital and forced them to retreat to the mountains.

Ibn Tumart died shortly after the Battle of al-Buhayra, possibly from wounds or illness. His death was kept secret by his successor Abd al-Mu'min, who continued the Almohad movement and eventually overthrew the Almoravids.