Vikings: The Making of an Empire
Continuing
An immersive journey that chronicles the epic rise and fall of history’s first-and-only Viking empire. Harald Bluetooth, his son Sven Forkbeard, and grandson Cnut the Great, were larger-than-life conquerors who built a sophisticated culture that transformed the image of Vikings from fearsome marauders to respectable Christian rulers. Featuring contributions by the world’s leading experts, it’s a riveting story of power, betrayal, and ambition that changed the course of history.
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Sign inHarald Bluetooth, The Christian Viking
When his father died in 958, the Danish king Harald Bluetooth inherited a divided pagan kingdom that was threatened by the empire of Otto I. He decided to convert his people.
Harald Bluetooth, The Royal Visionary
King Harald Bluetooth converted his people and thereby established his power among the Danes. But archaeologists reveal that the king was also a social and political strategist who was far ahead of his time.
Sveyn Forkbeard, Conqueror of England
As soon as Forkbeard has deposed his father, he resumes the activities his father forbade: bloody raids in England. Ethelred does everything to drive him away.
Cnut the Great, The Prince's Revenge
After less than five weeks on the English throne, Sven dies suddenly. His son, Cnut the Great, wants to succeed him, but the English appoint Ethelred the Unwise. That simply won't do!
Cnut the Great, The Viking Emperor
Cnut won the English throne through bloodshed and now conquers the hearts of the English. Then he builds the first Christian Viking empire in history: the North Sea Empire.
Emma of Normandy, The War of the Heirs
After the death of Cnut, there is no successor to the North Sea Empire. His two widows, Queen Emma of Normandy and his first wife, Ælfgifu of Northampton, both want to see their son on the throne.