Charles IX of Sweden

Reign: 1604 – 1611
Life: 1550–1611

He came into the throne by championing the Protestant cause during the increasingly tense times of religious strife between competing sects of Christianity. His reign marked the start of the final chapter (dated 1648 by some) both of the Reformation and of the Counter-Reformation. With the death of his brother John III of Sweden in November 1592, the Swedish throne went to his nephew, the Habsburg ally Sigismund of Poland and Sweden. During these tense political times, Charles viewed the inheritance of the throne of Protestant Sweden by his devout Catholic nephew with alarm.

During Charles IX of Sweden's reign, James VI and I ruled England, Ahmed I ruled Ottoman Empire, and Jahangir I ruled Mughal Empire.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Scandinavia by T. K. Derry

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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Go deeper on Charles IX of Sweden

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A History of Scandinavia

T. K. Derry

Charles IX, war with Poland and the Vasa succession struggle.

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