Birth of Harald III Hardrada
Birth of Harald III Hardrada, son of Sigmund Syr, a petty King in eastern Norway
Role range: 1045-1066
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Harald III Hardrada Biography and Timeline
Follow Harald III Hardrada through 29 dated historical records for Norway.
Harald III Hardrada, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
29Distinct records
1 of 1Page
1015–1066Years on this page
1015
1025
Birth of Harald III Hardrada
Birth of Harald III Hardrada, youngest of King Olaf IIs three half-brothers born to Gudbrandsdatter
Role range: 1045-1066
1028
Exile of Harald III Hardrada
Enters the service of Yaroslav, Prince of Kiev
Role range: 1045-1066
1030
Battle of Stiklestad
Harald takes part, on the side of Olaf, in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, although wounded, he manages to escape, leaving Norway in exile
Role range: 1045-1066
Exile of Harald III Hardrada
Harald takes part, on the side of Olaf, in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, although wounded, he manages to escape, leaving Norway in exile
Role range: 1045-1066
1045
Marriage
Harald marries Elisabeth, daughter of Yaroslav and granddaughter of King Olof Sk”tkonung of Sweden
Role range: 1045-1066
Succession
Succeeds as King of Norway, rules jointly with Magnus I, 1045-1047
Role range: 1045-1066
1047
Death of Harald III Hardrada
Death of Magnus I during a rebellion in Denmark, leaves Harald as sole ruler
Role range: 1045-1066
Rebellion of Rebels in Denmark
Death of Magnus I during a rebellion in Denmark, leaves Harald as sole ruler
Role range: 1045-1066
Rule of Denmark
Death of Magnus I during a rebellion in Denmark, leaves Harald as sole ruler
Role range: 1045-1066
Succession
Death of Magnus I during a rebellion in Denmark, leaves Harald as sole ruler
Role range: 1045-1066
1057
Reform of Currency
Begins to debase Norways silver currency by mixing it with copper
Role range: 1045-1066
1062
Battle of Niz
Harald III Hardrada defeats Sweyn of Denmark at Niz, the two rulers recognize each other as sovereign in their respective countries
Role range: 1045-1066
1063
Invasion of Sweden
Defeats Steinkel & captures parts of south east Sweden
Role range: 1045-1066
1066
Battle of Fulford
With Tostig defeats Edwin, Earl of Mercia, & Morcar, Earl of Northumbria. Wins the Battle of Fulford & occupies York
Role range: 1045-1066
Capture of York
Wins the Battle of Fulford & occupies York
Role range: 1045-1066
Siege of York
Occupies York after success at the Battle of Fulford
Role range: 1045-1066
Death of Harald III Hardrada
Killed in battle at Stamford Bridge by forces commanded by Harold Godwinson
Role range: 1045-1066
Battle of Stamford Bridge
Believing that King Harold was prepared to surrender and the English to accept his claim to the throne, Harald took about two thirds of his army to collect tribute from the local people, carrying light weapons and wearing only light armour
Role range: 1045-1066
Battle of Stamford Bridge
Both Harald and Earl Tostig are killed & Haralds army was so heavily beaten that only 24 of the 300 longboats used to transport his forces to England were used to carry the survivors back to Norway.
Role range: 1045-1066
Battle of Stamford Bridge
Godwinsons forces surprised Haralds as they collected the tribute from the locals, Godwinsons forces are heavily armed and armoured, and greatly outnumbered Haralds.
Role range: 1045-1066
Battle of Stamford Bridge
Invited by Tostig Godwinson to capture England from Harold II. Harald sails with 300 ships but is defeated at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
Role range: 1045-1066
Invasion of England
Harald III Hardrada arrives with an invasion fleet of 300 ships
Role range: 1045-1066
Siege of York
Hadrada & Tostig capture York after victory at the Battle of Fulford
Role range: 1045-1066
Alliance Harald III Hardrada and Tostig
Allies with Tostig after Harold Godwinson is elected King of England by the Witan
Role range: 1045-1066
Capture of Scarborough
Tostig & Harald Hardrada capture Scarborough
Role range: 1045-1066
Invasion of England
Will restore Tostig as Earl of Northumberland for support in his invasion of England. Harald lands in northern England with a force of around 15,000 men and 300 longships
Role range: 1045-1066
Invasion of England
Joins forces with Tostig
Role range: 1045-1066
Invasion of England
Lands at Riccall & then marches on York
Role range: 1045-1066
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.