Statue of Saint Olav, central Trondheim, Sør Trøndelag, Norway.
King Olav Haraldson's aim was a united Christian Norway. This he endeavoured to establish by ruthlessly slaughtering all who opposed him. King Canute of Denmark and England supported the opposition and invaded Norway in 1028 forcing Olav Haraldson to flea to Russia. He returned and was killed on 29 July 1030 at the "Battle of Stiklestad" and subsequently buried at Nidaros on the banks of the river Nidelva. When the body was disinterred a year later it showed no sign of deterioration and the nails and hair had grown. This was taken as a sign of sanctity and so he was declared a saint and martyr!
Size: 3651px × 4787px
Location: Trondheim, Sør-Trøndelag, Norway.
Photo credit: © Leslie Garland / LGPL / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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