In this episode we look at how Sweden emerges as a state, with kings of a more modern kind than the older chieftains. These kings are christians, they mint coins, have connections to other royal families in the east and the west, and they are sort of becoming European. Still, though, it is far from a stable kingdom and not even always united under one king.
This is Sweden in the 11th and early 12th century. The borders are not as absolute as they seems to be, but at least you'll get an idea of what I am talking about when I mention Svealand and Götaland.
Saint Erik and his crown, photographed last autumn when he was brought up to be analysed but scientists at Uppsala University.
