When did Eric the Victorious rule Sweden?
Eric the Victorious ruled Sweden from around 970 until his death near 995. His reign ended between 992 when Boleslaw I accession took place in Poland and 995 when Olof's coinage began in Sigtuna.
Eric the Victorious ruled Sweden from around 970 until his death near 995. His reign ended between 992 when Boleslaw I accession took place in Poland and 995 when Olof's coinage began in Sigtuna.
Adam of Bremen mentions a predecessor named Emund Eriksson as a possible father yet historians cannot confirm if he was Eric's father. Earlier rulers existed but their lines do not connect to later kings with the same clarity.
Eric the Victorious won the battle at Fýrisvellir near Uppsala after making sacrifice to Odin and promising to give himself to Odin in ten years if victorious. Styrbjörn the Strong led an invasion force that was utterly defeated while only those who fled survived the battle.
Adam of Bremen reports that Eric became King of Denmark after defeating Sweyn Forkbeard and Saxo Grammaticus states he ruled over Denmark for seven years following an invasion. He kept Denmark for a time while Sweyn fled first to Norway then England and finally Scotland.
Eric died in Uppsala between 992 when Boleslaw I accession took place in Poland and 995 when Olof's coinage began in Sigtuna. Swedish historians suggest smaller tumuli at Old Uppsala probably include King Eric's grave.