Family grave of Birger Jarl of Sweden (1200-1266)Birger was a statesman and one of the leading polit
Family grave of Birger Jarl of Sweden (1200-1266)Birger was a statesman and one of the leading political figures in the 13th century Sweden. He was given a title “Duke of Sweden” in 1248 a rank he held until he died 18 years later. When king Eric died in 1250 Birger also became de facto ruler of the country acting as a regent for his own son Valdemar (b. 1239)Birger Jarl has been attributed to be a founder of Stockholm and according to tradition he was also a leader of second crusade to Finland (my country).Sculptures depict Birger, his son Duke Eric (1250-1275) and second wife Dowager Queen Matilda of Denmark (1225-1228)Varnhem abbey, SwedenSource:: By Jacob Truedson Demitz for Ristesson [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons -- source link
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