Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Olof of Sweden
Olof of Sweden, Olof the Tax-king, Olof Skötkonung or Skautkonung, the first Christian king in Sweden, reigned between 995 and 1022. He was baptized in Husaby, Götaland in 1008. His father Eric the Victorious, is said to have been baptized, but later when returning to the Svealand kingdom fell back to heathen customs, worshipping the ancient Ása gods. His mother might be Sigrid the Haughty, a daughter of Polish christian prince Mieszko I of Poland. He married Estrid of the Obotrites, better known as Queen Ingrid. Father of Ingegerd Olofsdotter that married Yaroslav I the Wise, Tsar of Russia.
According to the Sagas, Eric the Victorious ruled together with his brother Olof (II) Björnsson. When Olof Björnsson died, Olof was proclaimed co-ruler instead of his cousin Styrbjörn Starke. This happened before he even was born. He inherited the throne of Sweden and became its sole ruler.
He took part in the Battle of Swold, together with Eric Hakonson and Sweyn Forkbeard against Olaf Trygvesson.
See also Early Swedish Kingdoms, House of Munsö.
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