North Sea Empire

North Sea Empire Norðsǣ RīceNordsøimperietNordsjøveldet
←      → 1013 – 1042
General Information
Time of Exist:	1013 - 8 June 1042
Government:	Personal Union Monarchy
Languages:	Old Norse Old English
Religions:	Christianity Norse Paganism
Historical Information
Preceded By:	Kingdom of England Kingdom of Denmark Kingdom of Norway Danelaw
Succeeded By:	Kingdom of England Kingdom of Denmark Kingdom of Norway

The North Sea Empire, also referred to as the Anglo-Scandinavian Empire, was a personal union comprising the kingdoms of England, Denmark, and Norway. This union existed for most of the period between 1013 and 1042, towards the end of the Viking Age. The union was a Thalassocracy, as the components of the union are only connected by sea. This maritime dominance allowed for control over the North Sea and facilitated trade, military expeditions, and cultural exchanges among the territories. The most notable ruler of this empire was king Cnut the Great, who reigned over the three kingdoms and managed to maintain a relatively stable and prosperous empire during his rule.

History

Cnut the Great, originally a prince of the Danish kingdom, became king after the death of his father, king Sweyn Forkbeard, in 1014. Sweyn had previously conquered parts of England, and after his death, Cnut continued the campaign. Cnut's significant military campaign in England culminated in the Battle of Assandun in 1016, where he defeated king Edmund Ironside. Following Edmund's death, Cnut became the undisputed king of England. Cnut also solidified his rule in England by integrating it with his Danish kingdom, fostering a period of stability and prosperity. He maintained a delicate balance of power among the English and Danish nobility.

As the king of Denmark, Cnut maintained his homeland's dominance and used its resources to support his wider ambitions. In 1028, Cnut extended his empire by conquering Norway, thereby establishing his rule over three significant territories across the North Sea. The combined rule over England, Denmark, and Norway under Cnut's leadership formed the North Sea Empire. This vast realm allowed for economic growth, cultural exchange, and strengthened maritime trade routes across Northern Europe.

Cnut's death in 1035 marked the beginning of the empire's decline. His sons, Harold Harefoot and Harthacnut, struggled to maintain the unity and stability of the realm. After Cnut's death, the empire quickly fragmented. Harold Harefoot ruled England until his death in 17 March 1040, while Harthacnut succeeded him but could not maintain control over the entire empire. Norway and Denmark soon reasserted their independence. By 8 June 1042, with the death of Harthacnut, the North Sea Empire effectively ceased to exist. England came under the rule of Edward the Confessor, while Denmark and Norway had separate monarchs.

Name

Historians coined the term "North Sea Empire" at the beginning of the 20th century. However, the idea of Cnut's domains forming an empire dates way back to 1623, as seen in John Speed's Histoire of Great Britaine. Historically, the union was referred to by his individual components: the kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and England.

Religion

By the early 11th century, England had been Christian for centuries, and the Danelaw was transitioning from paganism to Christianity. However, Scandinavia remained mostly pagan. Cnut's father, Sweyn, started as a pagan but later became mostly Christian. In England, Cnut supported the Church, gaining acceptance from Christian rulers in Europe, a recognition no previous Scandinavian king had achieved. In Norway, he built churches and was generous to the clergy but also made alliances with pagan chieftains. Cnut didn't make Church-favoring laws until his rule was secure.

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