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| 2. Sweden |
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| The origins of the Swedish kingship are obscure, but the kingdom may be dated back to the union of Gothia and Svealand (prior to 836). The conversion of the country to Christianity took place in the 9th century. | 1 |
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| 993–1024 |
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| Olaf Skutkonung was the first Christian ruler. His wars with St. Olaf of Norway led to some conquests, which were soon lost, and the pagan population expelled his son. The century following his death was marked by wars between the Goths and the Swedes and by religious conflicts. | 2 |
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| 1134–50 |
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| Sverker. Amalgamation of the Swedes and Goths, with alternation of rulers from the two peoples (an arrangement that continued for a century). The monarchy gradually became established on a firm basis, and the progress of Christianity was marked by the foundation of many bishoprics (including Uppsala, 1163). The first monasteries also belong to this period. | 3 |
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| 1150–60 |
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| Eric IX (the Saint), whose reign was a short golden age. He led a crusade into Finland, the first real expansion of Sweden. The line of St. Eric ended with Eric XI. | 4 |
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| 1223–50 |
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| Eric XI (Laespe). His reign was dominated by his brother-in-law, Jarl (Earl) Birger Magnusson, the greatest statesman of medieval Sweden, who controlled the government from 1248 to 1266 and had his son Waldemar elected king in 1250, thus founding the Folkung line. | 5 |
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| 1250–75 |
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| Waldemar. As regent, Jarl Birger abolished judicial ordeal by fire, ended serfdom by choice, encouraged commerce, favored the settlement of German artisans, checked the power of the baronage. He attempted to introduce some form of setting up his other sons in quasi-independent duchies. | 6 |
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| 1279–90 |
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| Magnus Ladulos, who had dethroned and imprisoned his brother Waldemar. Magnus continued his father's feudal innovations, extended the powers of the clergy, and set up a hereditary nobility. Town charters became numerous as the burghers became prosperous through trade and mining. | 7 |
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| 1290–1319 |
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| BIRGER (son of Magnus). His rule was chaotic, due to civil war with his brothers, whom Birger ultimately captured and executed. This led to a popular uprising and the expulsion of Birger, who was followed by his 3-year-old nephew. (See Sweden) | 8 |
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