Sweyn Forkbeard

MedievalEmperorDenmark960 — 1014

Viking king who conquered England.

Compare Sweyn Forkbeard with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

960

Died

1014

Country

Denmark

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)45

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)43

Leadership (15%)52

Strategy (15%)43

Total Score46.0

Sweyn Forkbeard — Complete Timeline

985 AD

Rebelled against Harald BluetoothPolitical Action◆ Major

Sweyn Forkbeard led a rebellion against his father, King Harald Bluetooth, forcing him into exile. This uprising was driven by opposition to Harald's Christianization policies and centralized rule, and it resulted in Sweyn seizing the Danish throne.

RebellionDynastic ConflictPower Transition

Impact: regionaldestructive

1013 AD

Invaded EnglandWar◆ Major

Sweyn Forkbeard launched a full-scale invasion of England, leading a Danish fleet. He conquered large parts of the country, forcing King

InvasionEnglandViking Conquest

Impact: regional

Crowned King of EnglandPolitical Action◆ Major

After his successful invasion, Sweyn Forkbeard was crowned King of England in late 1013. He ruled England for only a few weeks before his death in February 1014, but his conquest paved the way for his son Cnut the Great's later rule over England.

CoronationEnglandDanish Rule

Impact: regional

1014 AD

Died suddenly in GainsboroughOther◆ Major

Sweyn Forkbeard died suddenly in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, in February 1014, after ruling England for only about five weeks. His death led to the temporary restoration of

DeathSuccession CrisisEngland

Impact: regionaltragic