Wikipedia:Today's featured article/April 17, 2006

King Sverre's trek across the Voss mountains, as painted by Peter Nicolai Arbo

Sverre Sigurdsson was a king of Norway from 1184-1202. He married Margareta Eriksdotter, the daughter of the Swedish king Eric the Saint, by whom he had the daughter Kristina Sverresdotter. Many consider him one of the most important rulers in Norwegian history. He assumed power as the leader of the rebel group, the Birkebeiners, during their struggle against King Magnus Erlingsson. After Magnus fell at the Battle of Fimreite in 1184, Sverre ruled as sole king of Norway. Differences with the Church, however, led to his excommunication in 1194. Another civil war began against the church-supported Baglers, which lasted beyond Sverre's death in 1202. The most important historical sources on Sverre’s life is his biography, Sverris saga, in part written while Sverre was alive, and the Bagler sagas. Sverre was a talented improviser, both in political and military life. His innovative tactics often helped the Birkebeiners against more tradition-bound opponents. During battle he had his men operate in smaller groups, while previously tactics similar to the shield wall had been preferred. This made the Birkebeins more mobile and adaptable. (continued...)

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