The movie is set during the final years of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom, leading up to the Norman Conquest in 1066. At this time, England was under the rule of the House of Wessex, but a series of kings had come and gone, and the country was increasingly fractured. The film portrays the last stand of the Saxon kings, focusing on a period of power struggles, alliances, and betrayals that defined the shifting political landscape of the time.

The historical backdrop of the movie is built upon several key moments:

1. King Æthelred the Unready's Reign: Known for his inability to effectively defend England from Viking invasions, Æthelred's reign was marked by conflict and internal strife. His failure to protect his kingdom led to his eventual downfall, as he struggled with both Viking attacks and domestic opposition.
    

2. The Rise of Cnut the Great: Cnut, a Danish Viking, rose to power and became the king of England in the early 11th century. His reign marked a brief period of peace and prosperity, as he sought to unite England under his rule. However, after his death, the kingdom descended into chaos, as various factions fought for control.
    

3. The Battle of Stamford Bridge: One of the key events in the history of Anglo-Saxon England, this battle took place in 1066, where King Harold Godwinson defeated the Norse king Harald Hardrada, ending Viking influence in England. However, this victory was short-lived, as Harold faced the Norman invasion shortly afterward.
    

4. The Battle of Hastings: Though not directly covered in Seven Kings Must Die, the looming Battle of Hastings in 1066 is the culmination of the political and military instability depicted in the film. The battle between King Harold Godwinson and William the Conqueror of Normandy was a defining moment in British history, leading to the end of Anglo-Saxon rule. shutdown123