Erikashistoryofsweden

The turbulent political situation with Sweden in and out of the union contunies during the last years of the 15th century and culminates in 1520 with the Bloodbath in Stockholm, instigated by the union king Christian II and the revengful former archbishop Gustav Trolle.

During the 80 years from 1440 to 1520 Sweden changes government around 20 times. Sometimes the union king is recognised, at other times Swedan has a king of it's own or is ruled by stewards. In this episode we look at the period until 1470.

In 1434 rebellion broke out in Sweden against king Erik. The leader, who also gave name to the rebellion, was Engelbrecht Engelbrechtsson, a minor nobleman from the iron producing area in mid Sweden.

The election of Margaret as regent of Sweden 1389 ment that Denmark, Norway and Sweden de facto were united under one ruler. A meeting in Kalmar in 1397 is however considered the birth of what has become known as the Kalmar union.

In July 1361 the Danish king Valdemar Atterdag conquerd Gotland. For the Gotlandic farmers the result was disastrous - around 2000 men killed and farms plundered.

The Black Death arrives in Sweden in 1350. Here, just like everywhere else, it changes society in many ways.

In this episode we take a break from the political development and look at medieval society, comprised of farmers, city dwellers, clergy and nobility.

The three sons of king Magnus Birgersson figthed over power. In 1317 two were dead and one in exile. A 3-year old boy - Magnus Eriksson - was chosen king with limited power.

In this episode Sweden gets a nobility, excempt from taxation as a reward for service to the king.

This episode looks at the Swedish expansion in the south, north and east mainly during the 13th century.

The end of the kings descended from Sverker the older and Saint Erik - and the rise of a new royal family related to the efficient earl Birger. And a medieval sex scandal.

This episode is about how Sweden slowly emerges, how kings appear and tries to be something more modern than viking chieftains.

In the second episode of Erika's Swedish history we look at how christianity entered Sweden, what it replaced and what it meant.

We start our tour in Swedish history with the viking ages - though it is kind of cheating since there is still no Sweden.