Christina of Sweden. Christina, the only surviving legitimate child of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden and his wife Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg, reigned as Queen of Sweden from 1632 until her abdication in 1654.
At the age of six, Christina succeeded her father upon his death at the Battle of Lützen, but began ruling the Swedish Empire when she reached the age of 18 in 1644. Christina is remembered as one of the most learned women of the 17th century.
She was fond of books, manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures. With her interest in religion, philosophy, mathematics and alchemy, she attracted many scientists to Stockholm, wanting the city to become the Athens of the North.
She caused a scandal when she decided not to marry, and in 1654 when she abdicated her throne and converted to Roman Catholicism. Baptized as Kristina Augusta, she adopted the name Christina Alexandra.
Christina's financial extravagance brought the state to the verge of bankruptcy, and the financial difficulties caused public unrest after ten years of ruling. At the age of 28, the Minerva of the North relinquished the throne to her cousin and moved to Rome. The Pope described Christina asa queen without a realm, a Christian without faith, and a woman without shame. Notwithstanding, she played a leading part in the theatrical and musical community and protected many Baroque artists, composers, and musicians. Being the guest of
At the age of six, Christina succeeded her father upon his death at the Battle of Lützen, but began ruling the Swedish Empire when she reached the age of 18 in 1644. Christina is remembered as one of the most learned women of the 17th century.
She was fond of books, manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures. With her interest in religion, philosophy, mathematics and alchemy, she attracted many scientists to Stockholm, wanting the city to become the Athens of the North.
She caused a scandal when she decided not to marry, and in 1654 when she abdicated her throne and converted to Roman Catholicism. Baptized as Kristina Augusta, she adopted the name Christina Alexandra.
Christina's financial extravagance brought the state to the verge of bankruptcy, and the financial difficulties caused public unrest after ten years of ruling. At the age of 28, the Minerva of the North relinquished the throne to her cousin and moved to Rome. The Pope described Christina asa queen without a realm, a Christian without faith, and a woman without shame. Notwithstanding, she played a leading part in the theatrical and musical community and protected many Baroque artists, composers, and musicians. Being the guest of
Wikipedia ...