battle
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Erik the Victorious
The numbers that are found after, or in the middle of, king names can be confusing. For example, Erik XIV was not preceded by thirteen other Eriks. Instead, each of his numbers is a way of trying to show a… 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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They died south in Särkland
In 1036, what is believed to be the last major Viking expedition left what is now Sweden to head east in search of riches and possibly fame. Fame came, but certainly not in the way the participants had imagined.As it… Continue reading
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The Battle of Stamford Bridge
Today, but 958 years ago, Monday, September 25, 1066, the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada and Harold Godwinson, since about nine months ago the king of England, met each other at Stamford Bridge, in Yorkshire. It was not a peaceful meeting… Continue reading
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The massacre at Visby ring wall
”In the year of the Lord 1361, King Valdemar of Denmark captured Gotland and Visby, where he killed about one thousand eight hundred peasants in a battle the day before St. James’ Day.” The words are found in the yearbook… Continue reading
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Cult of St Olav
In the churchyard of the Church of Mary (Mariakyrkan) in Sigtuna, an echo from the past can be found. It’s a reminder that Sigtuna has a very long history. This echo is by no means ethereal but the very physical… Continue reading
Scandinavian History 