Erik XIV

Reign: 1560 – 1568
Life: 1533–1577

During a 1568 rebellion against him, Erik was incarcerated by his half-brother John III. He was formally deposed by the Riksdag on 26 January 1569. While Erik has been regarded as intelligent and artistically skilled, as well as politically ambitious, early in his reign he showed signs of mental instability, a condition that eventually led to insanity. Some scholars claim that his illness began early during his reign, while others believe that it first manifested with the Sture murders.

During Erik XIV's reign, Elizabeth I of England ruled England, Akbar ruled Mughal Empire, and Suleiman the Magnificent ruled Ottoman Empire.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Sweden by Byron J. Nordstrom

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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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From the library

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