medievalart:Vyborg medieval castle in Karelia. It was founded in the 13th century after the so calle

medievalart:Vyborg medieval castle in Karelia. It was founded in the 13th century after the so called third crusade led allegedly by swedish marshal Tyrgils Knutsson (upper row right). Knutsson’s leadership role has been lately challenged by modern scholars because recently found primary sources hint that he was actually in Stockholm then the campaign took place. In any case the castle was erected on on excellent location and for centuries it was considered as a lock of Finland. The swedish commanders of the castle wielded a formidable military and political power and especially during the 13th-15th century the province of Viipuri can be regarded as an almost independent entity. During these times commanders pursued their own foreign and economical policies with interests of the province in mind and quite often no regard whatsoever to the wishes of government in Stockholm. Most famous examples are Erik Axelsson and especially Karl Knutsson Bonde. During their reign Vyborg followed rather ambitious foreign policies and the province was a really a player to be reckoned with in regional power politics. Bonde became later a king of Sweden and pic on the second row depicts his departure to Stockholm.1, Vyborg caste2. A view from the tower. Erik Axelsson and Karl Knutsson  were here too ;)3. A statue depicting Tyrgils Knutsson4. Karl Knutsson Bonde leaving Vyborg castle -- source link

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