King Knut the Great was a Viking king who ruled over a North Sea empire in the early 11th century. He was born around 995 and became king of England, Denmark, and Norway, uniting these regions under his rule. His reign lasted from 1016 to 1035, and he is known for his efforts to strengthen and stabilize his kingdoms. Knut was the son of Sweyn Forkbeard and Emma of Normandy. He implemented laws and promoted trade, which helped improve the economy. His legacy includes the establishment of a strong monarchy and the integration of Viking and Anglo-Saxon cultures.