June 22 In Swedish History

The 'Lion of the North,' Gustav II Adolf, is buried in Stockholm in 1634. 

  • King Gustav II Adolf (1594-1632) was buried on June 22 in 1634 at Riddarholmskyrkan in Stockholm.
  • June 22 In Swedish History
    1634: Gustav II Adolf is buried in Riddarholmskyrkan in Stockholm. Born on December 9 in1594, Gustav II Adolf (or Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden as he is known in English) was King of Sweden between 1611 and 1632 and founder of the Swedish Empire (“Stormaktstiden – the era of great power”), which was the beginning of the Golden Age of Sweden. Gustav II Adolf led Sweden to military supremacy during the Thirty Years War (1618–1648), helping to determine the political as well as the religious balance of power in Europe.

  • One of the greatest military commanders of all time
    He is thereby regarded as one of the greatest military commanders of all time. His most notable military victory was the battle of Breitenfeld (1631). With a superb military machine with good weapons, excellent training, and effective field artillery, backed by an efficient government which could provide necessary funds, Gustav II Adolf was poised to make himself a major European leader, but he was killed at the battle of Lützen in 1632. He was assisted by Axel Oxenstierna (1583–1654), leader of the nobles who also acted as regent after his death. He was known by the epithets "The Golden King" and "The Lion of the North" by neighboring sovereigns. Gustav II Adolf is commemorated today with city squares in Stockholm, Göteborg and Helsingborg. Gustavus Adolphus College, a Lutheran college in St. Peter, Minnesota is also named for the Swedish king. Gustav II Adolf was the father of Queen Kristina (1626-1689).