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Cnut the Great
He conquered England as an outsider, became its most effective king, and according to legend placed his throne at the water's edge to show his lords that even kings can't stop the tide.
995–1035
Life Journey
From Viking prince to North Sea emperor
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c. 995
Royal beginnings
Cnut was born into a powerful Danish royal family, giving him early exposure to leadership, warfare, and the ambitions shaping Viking expansion across Europe.