13th century
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Sweden’s own Game of Thrones, part II
But returning to Knut: his reign was relatively peaceful, largely because those who had opposed his kingship—believing themselves better suited to rule the realm—were either dead or in exile. During his reign, he resumed the minting of coins that had… Continue reading
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Sweden’s own Game of Thrones, part I
It aired a few years ago. Still, many likely remember ”Game of Thrones”—George R.R. Martin’s story about various noble houses vying for power and the throne in, among other places, the fictional realm of Westeros. One of Martin’s sources of… Continue reading
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Birger jarl – founder of a nation
Birger jarl is a name that most Swedes recognise; even if it’s the only thing you know about Swedish history, you likely know this: there once was a man called Birger jarl. Except he wasn’t—that was his title, akin to… Continue reading
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Ingrid Ylva – medieval power woman
Like the vast majority of women during the early Middle Ages, Ingrid Ylva has left few traces behind for posterity to note. This is in contrast to her son, Birger Magnusson, much better known as Birger jarl. However, he becomes… Continue reading
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Eriksgata, to introduce a King
Now the king will ride his eriksgata, and the men of the country will follow him and give him hostages, such that he is safe and secure, and swear this oath that was said before. And the king must promise… Continue reading
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Mora stone, where kings were elected
About one-mile southeast of the cathedral in Uppsala is, compared to the cathedral, a significantly less well-known memorial to Swedish history. Like so many other memories from the past in Uppland in particular, it is about stones, but, which otherwise… Continue reading
