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Eric II (Emune) of Denmark

Type Figure Region Denmark Time c. 1090–1137 Also known as Eric the Memorable

Eric II of Denmark (c. 1090–1137), King of Denmark (r. 1134–1137), nicknamed 'Emune' ('the Memorable');…

Timeline

  1. c. 1090–1131Denmark · DenmarkEric was born into the Danish royal family as a son of King Eric I. After his brother Canute Lavard was murdered in 1131, his conflict with King Niels intensified; he began gathering noble forces opposed to Niels to seize power by force.
  2. 1134–1137Denmark · DenmarkIn June 1134 Eric decisively defeated King Niels at the Battle of Fodevig; Niels was killed shortly after at Schleswig. Eric then claimed the throne, known in history as 'Emune' (the Memorable). During his reign he promoted church reform, maintained an alliance with Emperor Lothair III of the Holy Roman Empire, and laid the political groundwork for the canonization of his brother Canute Lavard.
  3. 1137Ribe · JutlandOn 18 September 1137 Eric II was assassinated by a killer at Ribe in Jutland, ending his reign of only three years. His death again sparked a struggle for the Danish throne, and the shadow of Danish civil war continued into the next generation.

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