Harald Fairhair unifies Norway

Timeline

1. 850–872Western Norwegian coast · NorwayIn the mid-9th century Norway consisted of numerous independent chieftain territories, with coastal tribes each going their own way; Harald Fairhair resolved to unify the whole country in response to a marriage pledge and the need for power expansion.
2. 872Hafrsfjord · RogalandHarald led his forces to defeat the western chieftain coalition represented by figures such as the father of Erik Bloodaxe at Hafrsfjord; this battle is regarded as the decisive military victory for Norwegian unification.
3. 873–900Avaldsnes · RogalandAfter the war Harald established a tribute collection system, transforming old chieftains into vassals; some nobles unwilling to submit emigrated to Scotland, Iceland, and elsewhere, and Norway initially formed a hereditary monarchical state.