The civil war era of Norwegian history is a term used for the period in the history of Norway between 1130 and 1240.

During this time, a series of civil wars are fought between rival kings and pretenders to the throne of Norway.

The reason for the wars is one of the most debated topics in Norwegian medieval history.

The goal of the warring parties is always to put their man on the throne, starting with the death of King Sigurd the Crusader in 1130.

In the first decades of the civil wars, alliances are shifting, and center around the person of a king or pretender, but eventually, towards the end of the 12th century, two rival parties emerge, known as the Birkebeiner and the Bagler.

After these two parties are reconciled in 1217, a more ordered system of government centered around the king is gradually able to bring an end to the frequent risings.

The failed rising of duke Skule Bårdsson in 1240 is the final event of the civil war era.