When Was Denmark Founded? Digging into the History of Denmark

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Steven Højlund

When was Denmark founded?

Let’s Unravel the History of Denmark from the Stone Age

When was Denmark founded? The history of Denmark dates back to 10,000 BC, around the end of the last Ice Age. While no one can name the exact date on which the Kingdom of Denmark came to be known as such, historians generally agree that Danish history began with fishing and hunting. 

People in the area now known as Denmark didn’t start farming until 3,000 BC. Some 4397 years later (over 4 millennia), Denmark, Norway, and Sweden came together to form the Kalmar Union in 1397 AD. From then until now, Denmark has undergone a lot of political changes, from taking over the Faroe Islands to joining the European Union. In this article, we’ll attempt to provide some background to the question, “When was Denmark founded?” We’ll also look at various points in the history of Denmark. Let’s start. 

History of the Kingdom of Denmark 

The Stone Age (13,000 to 2,000 BC)

During the Stone Age, people in Denmark lived pretty much like everyone else around the world at that time—feeding on wild prey such as wolves, beavers, and squirrels. They later progressed to intentional hunting for seafood. Amongst the cultures of Denmark, the first ones to settle in the country were the Ertebølle, Kongemose, and Maglemosian tribes. 

Up until the new Stone Age, Danish people wandered from settlement to settlement. They began to build homes between 3,900 BC and 1,800 BC. Since they constructed permanent residences, they had to devise alternative means of survival. That’s when crop and animal farming started. While cultivating corn and wheat on the one hand, they tamed animals such as cattle and pigs. From time to time, they confronted the harsh waters of the sea in their hunt for seafood. 

The Viking Age

A tapestry of the Viking Age in Denmark.
Image source Flickr

Denmark housed the first Vikings in history. Various Viking kings sprang up throughout the country, establishing their rule over several parts of what we know to be Denmark today. It was during this period that Denmark retained control of new territories that its kings conquered. Denmark established its reign over England and Norway between 970 AD and 1035 AD. From a small population of 800,000 people, Denmark grew to about 1 million inhabitants by the 13th century. 

It was also during the Viking Age that Denmark was first given its name on the rune stone of one of the kings, King Harald Bluetooth. The runestone, which dates back to around 965 AD, states,

“King Harald ordered this monument made in memory of Gorm, his father, and Thyra, his mother; that Harald who won for himself all of Denmark and Norway and made the Danes Christian.”

King Harald also introduced Christianity in Denmark in the second half of the Viking Age, around 960 AD. 

The Church in Denmark 

In the course of their numerous travels, Vikings went to areas where they couldn’t trade unless they were baptized in the name of the Christian God. As a result, some of them were baptized. Back at home, the Danish people allowed Christians to practice their religion in Danish trading sites and even built churches, all in a bid to encourage Christian merchants to come to Denmark. 

By 1050 AD, Christianity had become the dominant religion in Denmark. If you go to some areas in Denmark today, you’ll still find pockets of old religious practices, such as beliefs in holy trees and elves, which suggests that the worship of Nordic gods hasn’t been completely wiped out of Denmark. 

The Kalmar Union

A map of the Kalmar Union.
Image source Wikimedia Commons

Denmark became a member of the Kalmar Union in the 14th century, precisely in 1397, alongside Sweden, Norway, and territories over which they had control. As of then, Sweden governed a part of Finland while Norway ruled over Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland, Orkney, and Jan Mayen. Denmark had also entered into a purportedly temporary union with Iceland since 1380. Although the union was supposed to last for a quarter of a century, it ended up subsisting for much longer and outliving the Kalmar Union. 

In the 15th century, there grew a rivalry between Denmark and Sweden. While Denmark fought to preserve the union with Sweden still in it, it wasn’t strong enough to compel Sweden to stay. Under the leadership of Gustav Vasa, Sweden gained independence from the Union. 

Denmark maintained its political influence on Norway through the Danish Privy Council, an institution in the Kalmar Union, till the 16th century. However, Norway later ceded to Sweden, but some of its territories, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, were taken over by Denmark. In 1944, Iceland declared its independence from Denmark following a referendum that yielded favorable results. 

Denmark in the Second World War

Denmark remained neutral during World War II. In other words, it chose not to take sides or directly participate in the conflict between the Axis and the Allied Powers. But, unfortunately for the country, its strategic location in northern Europe caused Germany, one of the Axis Powers, to set sights on it. Germany occupied Denmark on 9 April 1940 after it had successfully invaded Denmark. 

Denmark and Germany attempted to peacefully coexist within Danish territory, following a brave but futile attempt on the part of the Danish government to resist the German invasion. Denmark had lost more than 2,000 lives fighting against the occupation. Looking at the state of things and realizing that due to its limited military power, it would be unable to hold it down, Denmark readily accepted Germany into the Danish kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What happened in Denmark in 1920?

A: In 1920, Denmark reclaimed Southern Jutland through a plebiscite following the Treaty of Versailles. This reunification restored a territory that had been under German control since 1864, a crucial milestone in Denmark’s national history.

Q: What is Denmark’s welfare state known for?

A: Denmark’s welfare state ensures universal access to healthcare, education, and social security. Denmark has consistently ranked among the most peaceful countries globally on the Global Peace Index. The welfare state is central to Denmark’s identity and governance.

Q: When did Denmark join the European Union?

A: Denmark joined the European Union in 1973. Membership allowed Denmark to strengthen its economy and trade relations across Europe. However, Denmark also negotiated several opt-outs, maintaining control over key policies, particularly those affecting its welfare state.

Q: How has Denmark contributed to European history?

A: Denmark has played an important role in European history, from its Viking Age dominance to its contributions to modern social welfare. Denmark’s balance of social equity and economic success is often studied as a model in European policymaking.

Q: How did the events of 1920 shape Denmark’s political landscape?

A: The year 1920 was significant for Denmark, not just for the reunification of Southern Jutland but also due to the Easter Crisis. This constitutional standoff reduced the Danish monarchy’s political influence, reinforcing democratic governance in Denmark.

Q: Was Denmark part of any larger empire during its history?

A: Yes, during King Cnut the Great’s rule (1016-1035 AD), Denmark was part of the North Sea Empire, which included territories in England, Norway, and parts of Sweden.

Q: What role do the Jelling stones play in understanding Denmark’s history?

A: The Jelling stones, erected by Harald Bluetooth, are monumental runic inscriptions that provide key evidence of Denmark’s early unification and Christianization.

Q: How did geography affect Denmark’s historical development?

A: Denmark’s geographical location made it an essential maritime and trade hub, facilitating economic growth and cultural exchanges that contributed to its early statehood.

When Was Denmark Founded? Final Answer

When was Denmark founded? By examining the era when it acquired the name “Denmark,” we can confidently conclude that the establishment of Denmark occurred in 965 AD. However, like with all things historical, the answer isn’t that straightforward. Above, we’ve looked at several points in Danish history with a view to understanding how the country came to be. If you have any questions or comments, drop them below. Thanks for reading!

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Steven Højlund

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