The 12th Century, 1100 - 1199 Civil Wars

In the 12th century Denmark got a shield like other European contries. Propably it was king Valdemar 1. the Great (den Store), who was the first king to use the shield. The eldest known example of the use of the shield is from 1190, where king Knud 4. has used it on a seal.

The 12th century is also the century where over 500 churches were built in Denmark.

1101 First Meeting of 3 Kings

The first meeting between the 3 nordic kings is taking place at the mouth of the Gothenriver.

The Danish king Erik Ejegod, the Norwegian king Magnus Barfot, and the Swedish king Inge Halstensøn are trying by negotiations to find a solution of their disputes and in the coming years there is no fightings between the Scandinavian countries.

1125 Taxes

The Christian churches in Denmark are beginning to collect taxes and begin to make fortunes, which are used for building the many churches you can find all over Denmark.

1134 Germany

While people and kings all over Denmark are fighting eachother must Magnus on behalf of his father king Niels accept the German emperor Lothar to have Denmark as an entailed estate - Denmark is a weak country.

1146 Two kings

King Erik Lam is abdicating because he want to be a monk. He is giving the crown to the son of king Erik Emune and his mistress, Svend 3. Grathe. Only the Danes living in Zealand and Scania are accepting the new king. In Jutland the Danes selects another king, Knud 3 - Denmark is now divided in 2 kingdoms.

1157 One king

In 1154 became Valdemar also king. Denmark has 3 kings. Each of them are fighting to be the only king of Denmark. In 1157 they come to an agreement. Valdemar will be king of Jutland, Knud will be king of Funen and Zealand, and Svend will be king of Scania. The agreement is celebrated at Roskilde at Zealand. King Svend has decided to kill the 2 other kings - Valdemar is escaping to Jutland, where a final battle is taking place so Valdemar 1. becomes the only king of Denmark.

1162 Growing

Denmark is still a weak nation and king Valdemar must accept the German emperor Frederik Barbarossa as feudal overlord of Denmark. When king Valdemar returns, he begins to rebuild the rampart Dannevirke, which is making the border between the real Denmark and Germany. King Valdemar knows Denmark is getting stronger and he conqured the city Wolgast at the coast of Pomerania. Wolgast is the first danish possession of the continents Baltic coast.

1167 Copenhagen

On a islet outside the little village, Havn, the bishop Absalon is building a castle. This is the start of Copenhagen, which later will be the capital of Denmark.

1184 Real Danish

The emporor of Germany Frederik Babarossa demands the new Danish king Knud 4. to accept him as a feudal overlord. King Knud 4. refuse - Denmark is again a strong nation.

1185 The Baltic Power

After a battle the duke of Pomerania has to accept Denmark as a feudal overlord.