John III of Sweden

Reign: 1568 – 1592
Life: 1537–1592

He attained the Swedish throne after a rebellion against his half-brother Erik XIV. He is mainly remembered for his attempts to close the gap between the newly established Lutheran Church of Sweden and the Catholic Church, as well as his conflict with and possible murder of his brother. His first wife was Catherine Jagiellon of the Polish, Lithuanian ruling family, and their son Sigismund eventually ascended both the Polish, Lithuanian and Swedish thrones. He ended the Northern Seven Years' War, but instead, Sweden was drawn into the 25 Years' War with Russia, where minor gains were eventually made. He worked for closer relations with Poland. John III was interested in religion and culture.

During John III of Sweden's reign, Elizabeth I of England ruled England, Akbar ruled Mughal Empire, and Murad III ruled Ottoman Empire.

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.

Meanwhile in history

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

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