KT5 Flashcards
When did Harald Bluetooth ascend to the throne?
958AD after his father, King Gorm died.
When & what was one of the most pivotal events caused by Bluetooth?
Conversion to christianity in 960AD.
When & what conquest was Bluetooth involved in?
970AD - conquest of Norway which he accomplished.
What were Bluetooth’s achievements?
- viking conversion to christianity
- construction of jelling stones
- establishment of a centralised government & legal system
Why did the vikings become christian?
- contact with christian missionaries
- trade with England kingdoms
- viking raids continued & so did their exposure to christianity
- norwegian kings & bluetooth converted, influencing vikings
Who was Sweyn Forkbeard?
Danish king, Bluetooth’s son.
When did Forkbeard ascend the throne?
986
What did Forkbeard do during his reign?
Launched multiple raids on England seeking wealth & power. They were ruthless & successful, weakening English monarchy.
Who responded to Forkbeard’s raids?
The English King Ethelred - ordered massacre of all Danes in England.
When did Forkbeard launch an invasion on England?
How was this successful?
1013, aiming to seize the throne.
He quickly gained support from English who were tired of Ethelred’s weak rule so successfully captured London forcing Ethelred into exile, becoming King of England.
How long did Forkbeard reign for? Who took it from him?
40 days - he was murdered.
His son, King Cnut in 1016 at 18 yrs old.
Cnut provided peace by…
- standing army to crush rebels
- fleet to drive off other vikings
- married Ethelred’s widow - emma to guarantee peace
