# Canute IV of Denmark

> King of Denmark from 1080 to 1086

**Wikidata**: [Q212284](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q212284)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canute_IV_of_Denmark)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/canute-iv-of-denmark

## Summary
Canute IV of Denmark, also known as Canute the Holy or Saint Knud II Svendsson, was King of Denmark from 1080 to 1086. A central figure in Danish monarchy, he is recognized for his reign and posthumous sainthood, commemorated in landmarks like St. Canute's Cathedral. His legacy endures through historical institutions and religious veneration.

## Biography
- **Born**: [Date and place unknown]  
- **Nationality**: Danish  
- **Education**: [No data available]  
- **Known for**: Reign as King of Denmark (1080–1086) and sainthood  
- **Employer(s)**: Kingdom of Denmark  
- **Field(s)**: Monarchy  

## Contributions
- **St. Canute's Cathedral**: Named in his honor, constructed in 1499 in Denmark, reflecting his lasting religious significance.  
- **Katedralskolan**: Founded in 1085 in Lund (now Sweden), during his reign, though no direct involvement is documented.  

## FAQs
- **When did Canute IV rule Denmark?**  
  He reigned from 1080 to 1086, a pivotal period in medieval Danish history.  

- **Why is he called "the Holy"?**  
  Recognized as a saint (Saint Knud II Svendsson), though specific canonization details are not provided in the source material.  

- **What institutions are linked to him?**  
  St. Canute's Cathedral (built in 1499) and Katedralskolan (founded in 1085) are associated with his legacy, though direct connections to his reign are contextual.  

## Why They Matter
Canute IV’s reign reinforced the Danish monarchy’s structure, while his sainthood and commemoration in St. Canute’s Cathedral underscore his religious and cultural impact. The founding of Katedralskolan during his rule highlights broader institutional development in Scandinavia. Without his historical presence, Denmark’s medieval narrative and the symbolism of later religious architecture would lack a key figure.

## Notable For
- Reign as King of Denmark (1080–1086).  
- Posthumous sainthood and recognition as "Canute the Holy."  
- Namesake of St. Canute's Cathedral, established in 1499.  
- Concurrent founding of Katedralskolan (1085) during his rule.  

## Body
### Reign
Canute IV governed Denmark from 1080 to 1086, succeeding as monarch of a kingdom established since circa 965. His rule fell within a formative period for Danish sovereignty, though specific policies or events of his reign are not detailed in the source material.  

### Legacy
His designation as "the Holy" and "Saint Knud II Svendsson" indicates posthumous veneration, though the circumstances of his canonization remain unspecified. This religious recognition solidified his place in Danish hortatory tradition.  

### Associated Institutions
- **St. Canute's Cathedral**: Inaugurated in 1499, centuries after his death, the cathedral in Denmark honors his legacy, illustrating his enduring symbolic importance.  
- **Katedralskolan**: Founded in 1085 in Lund (now part of Sweden), the school’s establishment coincided with his reign. While no direct patronage is documented, its founding reflects broader Scandinavian institutional growth during this era.  

### Historical Context
The Kingdom of Denmark, a transcontinental state since the 10th century, saw Canute IV as one of its early medieval rulers. His kingship aligned with the gradual consolidation of Danish power, though the source material emphasizes his titular significance over specific governance achievements.  

### Sainthood and Commemoration
Canute’s sainthood distinguishes him among Danish monarchs, with St. Canute's Cathedral serving as a tangible monument to his memory. This dual role as both ruler and religious figure cements his unique status in Danish history.

## References

1. The Peerage
2. Genealogics
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CERL Thesaurus
7. Enciclopedia Treccani
8. Sejm-Wielki.pl