Sweyn Forkbeard (Ethelred the Pious)

Sweyn Forkbeard was and remains a powerful symbol of Scandinavia's transitional era at the turn of the. Besides being King of Denmark, he became the unifier and first King of England, building upon its Saxon and Jórvikish foundations to create the medieval English state.

Work in progress.

960: Born, son of Harald Bluetooth and Queen Gunild.

986: After his father's death, becomes King of Denmark and overlord of Østangeln and Orkney.

994: Sails to Østangeln with a large fleet. Attacks the eastern coasts of the kingdom of Jórvik.

995: First major land campaign into the Midlands.

996: Campaign through the south of England, in which he wins most of the southern jarls to his side without fighting.

997: Campaign up along northeastern coast.

998: Campaign through Midlands and toward Jórvik city. Defeats Thorkell and Erik of Dyflin, captures Jórvik. Holds court at the city, summons all the jarls, lawspeakers, high priests, and bishops of both English kingdoms: thenceforth England governed as one kingdom with capital at York.

999: Campaign in Irish Sea to secure western coasts; travel to Dyflin to be crowned King of that city.

1000: Campaign in Welsh marches.

1001: Journey to Alba.

1002: Returns to Denmark, must reconquer it from Swedes.

1018: Dies; son Cnut succeeds him as King of Denmark, England, and Dyflin and Lord of Orkney and the Isles.