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Sweyn Estridsen

Type Figure Region Denmark Time c. 1019–1076 Also known as Sweyn Estridson、Sweyn II

King of Denmark (1047–1074/1076), founder of the Estridsen dynasty; maternal line descended from Estrid, sister of Cnut the Great.

Timeline

  1. c. 1019–1042Denmark and Norway · ScandinaviaNephew of Cnut the Great, he fled to Norway in childhood amid political turmoil in Denmark, gaining military and political experience there and contacting Danish nobles to oppose Norwegian domination of Denmark.
  2. 1047–1060Roskilde · ZealandAfter the death of Magnus I in 1047, Sweyn took the throne with noble support and military strength, consolidated central power, and cooperated with the church to strengthen administration and religious organization, laying the foundation for Estridsen rule.
  3. 1060–1076Denmark · DenmarkIn his later years he repeatedly intervened in contests over the English throne and Swedish affairs, contending with post-Norman-Conquest England and the Nordic states; his sons Harald Hen, Knud IV and others succeeded him as kings, making the Estridsen family the dominant force in 11th–12th century Denmark.

Sources