Critique Of Cnut's Analysis

Cnut held the reign of King of England from 1016 to 1035. He was a Danish prince and can be regarded as being part of the Viking invasions in the Northeast of England. After becoming King, he took Emma, former wife of Aethelred the Unready., as his wife, and began to consolidate his empire. He had control over Denmark, Norway, and England during his reign. In looking at the laws Cnut created and his letter to his empire, it can be seen that Cnut put the importance of his Christian religion as being his top priority. Christian faith and practice us what he held in high esteem, and wanted his followers to practice in this Christian belief as well. In order to keep his empire pure and of faith, Cnut establishes laws that can be very much compared …show more content…
In 1027, Cnut makes his way to Rome for the witnessing of the accession of the Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II. Cnut notes this journey as being a vow to God. It is in Rome where he visits the sanctuary of the Lord’s apostles, Peter and Paul. While in Rome, Cnut makes negotiations with Conrad II, Pope John, and princes of neighboring nations in order to get more fair and equal treatment for the English people. Cnut is able to reduce the amount of barriers on the road for people traveling from the Northeast Empire to Rome, and he is able to reduce the toll amounts. Because of the ratification of these concessions, Cnut thanks God and asks his people, especially his governors of England, to take care of all dues belonging to God. Cnut finds that these concessions, sworn under oath by the emperor, pope, and princes, to be a victory for the English people under the eyes of God as now the English people could in fact make the journey to the sanctuaries as he did, without having to deal with so many barriers and tolls. It can be seen that Cnut holds the oath of these men in high regard, as they are making a promise in front of God. In fact, making oaths is something Cnut does himself, and makes as a requirement under his