Cnut the Great

MedievalEmperorDenmark990 — 1035

Viking king who ruled England, Denmark, and Norway.

Compare Cnut the Great with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

990

Died

1035

Country

Denmark

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)76

Political (20%)70

Influence (20%)55

Legacy (20%)52

Leadership (15%)80

Strategy (15%)66

Total Score63.5

Cnut the Great — Complete Timeline

1016 AD

Conquest of EnglandWar◆ Major

After defeating Edmund Ironside at Assandun and Edmund's death, Cnut became sole king of England. He divided the kingdom into four earldoms: Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria, and East Anglia.

ConquestVikingEngland

Impact: regional

1019 AD

Accession to Danish ThronePolitical Action◆ Major

Cnut succeeded his brother Harald II as king of Denmark. He now ruled both England and Denmark, creating a North Sea empire.

SuccessionEmpireDenmark

Impact: regionalconstructive

1027 AD

Pilgrimage to RomeCultural

Cnut traveled to Rome for the coronation of Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II. He secured agreements for reduced tolls for English pilgrims and merchants traveling through Europe.

PilgrimageDiplomacyTrade

Impact: regionalconstructive

1028 AD

Conquest of NorwayWar◆ Major

Cnut invaded Norway and defeated King Olaf Haraldsson at the Battle of Stiklestad. Olaf was killed, and Cnut added Norway to his domains, becoming ruler of a North Sea empire.

ConquestVikingNorway

Impact: regional

1035 AD

Death of Cnut the GreatPolitical Action◆ Major

Cnut died at Shaftesbury in Dorset on November 12, 1035. His death led to the disintegration of his North Sea empire, with his sons Harold Harefoot and Harthacnut contesting the English throne.

DeathEmpire CollapseSuccession Crisis

Impact: regionaltragic