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Norway’s first settlers arrived over 10,000 years ago toward the end of the Ice age. However, the countries largest historical impact was during the Viking Age. The Viking age is said to have begun with the plundering of England’s Lindisfarne Monastery by Nordic pirates in 793 AD. Over the years the Vikings continued to conquer and build settlements under the rule of Harald Farfagre, also known as Harald Fairhair. The Viking era came to an end in 1066 AD with the falling of King Harald Hardrada and the new domination of the Christianity religion. From the 13th century till the mid 14th century, Oslo was the center of power in Norway. In the Mid 14th century the bubonic plague decimated Norway’s population. Later, in the 1800’s, Norway was forced into union with Sweden. That same year Norway drafted a new constitution for themselves and went to was with Sweden. In the end they were able to keep their new constitution but were forced to accept the Swedish king. Growing nationalism eventually led to Norway's peaceful secession from Sweden in 1905. After this Norway voted in favor of a monarchy and selected Prince Cal of Denmark to be king. Upon acceptance, he took the title Håkon VII and named his infant son Olav, both pro