How did harald hardrada die

Haraldur sigurdsson biography of martin luther He is best known for his work on the reconstruction of major volcanic eruptions of the past, including the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD in Italy and the consequent destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Contact About Privacy. Ilaria Capua. In , they reached Russia, where Harald joined the service of Yaroslav the Wise.

Harald III Sigurdsson

King of Norway ()
Date of Birth:
Country: Norway

Content:
  1. Harald III Sigurdsson: The Last Viking King
  2. Early Life and Exile
  3. Rise in the Byzantine Empire
  4. Return to Norway and Co-Kingship
  5. Invasion of England and Death
  6. Legacy

Harald III Sigurdsson: The Last Viking King

Harald III Sigurdsson, also known as Harald Hardrada, was the King of Norway from to He played a pivotal role in the history of Scandinavia and England, as the last of the great Viking rulers.

Early Life and Exile

Born in , Harald was the younger half-brother of King Olaf II of Norway.

In , at the age of 15, he witnessed the death of his brother in battle against Canute the Great. Harald was wounded in the fight and forced to flee Norway.

After leaving his homeland, Harald gathered a band of loyal followers who had also been displaced by Olaf's death. In , they reached Russia, where Harald joined the service of Yaroslav the Wise.

He fought in Yaroslav's campaigns against the Poles and eventually became his son-in-law, marrying Elizabeth Yaroslavna.

Rise in the Byzantine Empire

Harald's military prowess and ambition led him to join the Byzantine Empire as part of the elite Varangian Guard.

Haraldur sigurdsson biography of martin johnson Miroslav Lajcak. Harald Hardrada was killed. Harald had aspirations beyond Norway. Yet behind the legend we find that Harald is a much more complex figure than Adam of Bremen would have you believe.

He quickly rose through the ranks to become commander of the entire force. Under his leadership, the Varangians fought successfully in North Africa, Syria, and Sicily.

In , Harald participated in a palace coup that resulted in the overthrow and blinding of the emperor. Fearing retribution, he and his Varangians fled Constantinople and sought refuge in Kiev.

Return to Norway and Co-Kingship

In , Harald returned to Norway with a significant fortune accumulated in Byzantine service.

He posed a threat to the reigning King Magnus, who was Olaf II's son and Harald's nephew. To avoid conflict, Magnus proposed sharing power, and Harald became co-ruler of Norway. However, Magnus died under suspicious circumstances a year later.

Invasion of England and Death

Harald had aspirations beyond Norway.

Haraldur sigurdsson biography of martin In , at the age of 15, he witnessed the death of his brother in battle against Canute the Great. His invasion of England and subsequent demise also played a significant role in shaping the history of England, leading to the Norman Conquest under William the Conqueror. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In other projects.

He claimed the English throne based on an alleged agreement between Magnus and Hardecanute that if one died heirless, the other would inherit both England and Norway. In , Harald led an invasion force to England with around 15, warriors on ships.

They defeated the initial English resistance at the Battle of Fulford, but were soundly defeated by King Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on September 25, Harald himself was killed in the battle, struck in the throat by an arrow.

Legacy

Harald Hardrada's death marked the end of the Viking era.

He was the last of the great Scandinavian rulers who had led military conquests throughout Europe. His invasion of England and subsequent demise also played a significant role in shaping the history of England, leading to the Norman Conquest under William the Conqueror.