GUSTAV I VASA
1496 (?) - 1560

Gustav was originally Gustav Eriksson Vasa. He was not born a king. However, he managed to rule Sweden from 1523 until 1560.

Gustav married Catherine of Saxe-Lauenberg. They had one son, Erik XIV. Erik later followed Gustav to the throne.


What went on in politics at the time?

Denmark, led by their king Christian II, fought against Sweden and won. Gustav found Danish rule over Sweden unacceptable, linked up with the wealthy city of Lübeck, and rebelled successfully.

Gustav established Sweden's independence from Denmark. Then, Swedish regent Sten Sture the Younger died and Gustav became Sweden's king.

In order to pay his debts back to Lübeck, Gustav confiscated the riches of the Roman Catholic church. He officially called it Sweden's Reformation.

And here's a map of Scandinavia in 1523

SCANDINAVIA IN 1523
Click to enlarge