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Dissolution of the North Sea Empire

Type Event Region Europe Time 1035–1040

After Cnut the Great's death in 1035, the North Sea Empire centered on the personal union of England, Denmark, and Norway rapidly fell apart.

Timeline

  1. 1035Northern Europe · Northern EuropeCnut the Great's death removed the personal authority binding the three kingdoms. Hardicanute, unable to leave Denmark due to war, saw Harold Harefoot act as regent in England with the support of English magnates, while Magnus I challenged Danish overlordship in Norway, shaking the empire's foundations.
  2. 1036–1040North Sea · North SeaBy around 1037, Harold Harefoot held real power in England, Hardicanute held Denmark and made peace with Magnus, and Norway was ruled by Magnus I. The three kingdoms never again restored Cnut-era unified rule, and the North Sea Empire ended as a historical concept.

Sources