Vibeke
with her 20th great-grandfather Birger Jarl in front of Stockholm
City Hall.
In the beginning of the 13th century, the real leader of
Sweden was Birger Jarl, who belonged to the "folkunga"
dynasty from Östergötland. He continued ruling the empire until his
death. During the 1250's Birger Jarl increased trade with the merchants
from Lubeck. They were free from paying taxes in the Swedish harbours.
Through this policy he created the new trade town, Stockholm.
Birger Jarl had many sons and divided his provinces between the eldest.
His son, Valdemar, was chosen to be king but the other brothers became
jealous and feuded with each other. Later on his brother, Magnus,
let himself be crowned and was named Magnus Ladulås. |