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Christian IKing of Denmark, Norway and Sweden
Date of Birth: 01.02.1426
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Childhood and Inheritance
- Marriage and Kingship
- King of Norway
- Restoration of the Kalmar Union
- Conflict in Sweden
- Duke of Schleswig and Count of Holstein
- Death
Childhood and Inheritance
Christian was born in Oldenburg, Germany, to Count Dietrich of Oldenburg and Hedwig of Schleswig and Holstein. He inherited the title of Count of Oldenburg from his father. Christian had two brothers, Moritz V, Count of Delmenhorst, and Gerhard VI, Count of Oldenburg and Delmenhorst, as well as a sister named Adelheid.
Marriage and Kingship
In 1449, Christian married Dorothea of Brandenburg, the dowager queen of King Christopher III of Bavaria. Following Christopher's death in 1448, the union between Denmark, Sweden, and Norway dissolved.
In 1488, Christian was elected King of Denmark. He was a descendant of King Eric V of Denmark, which gave him a distant claim to the throne. Initially, the throne was offered to Duke Adolf VIII of Schleswig-Holstein, but he declined due to his advanced age and lack of heirs.
King of Norway
Norway faced a choice between uniting with Sweden, Denmark, or establishing its own monarch. Christian secured support from some factions within the Norwegian council, while others backed Charles Knutsson of Sweden. In 1450, Christian was crowned King of Norway.
Restoration of the Kalmar Union
Christian signed a union between Denmark and Norway, establishing an elective monarchy in Norway. In 1457, Charles Knutsson was overthrown in Sweden, and Christian became King of Sweden as well. This restored the Kalmar Union, which had existed before Christopher's death.
Conflict in Sweden
However, Swedish dissatisfaction with Christian led to his overthrow in 1464. Bishop Kettil Karlsson Vasa became regent of Sweden, followed by Charles Knutsson, who was later overthrown and replaced again. Christian attempted to reclaim the throne by force but was defeated at the Battle of Brunkeberg in 1471.
Duke of Schleswig and Count of Holstein
In 1460, Christian inherited the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein as the eldest son of his sister, Adelheid. He ruled over a vast territory until the secession of Sweden in 1464. Unrest and rebellions continued throughout the union.
Death
Christian died in Copenhagen on May 21, 1481, at the age of 55. He left behind a legacy of territorial expansion and political intrigue, as well as the failed attempt to unite the three Scandinavian kingdoms under his rule.