# Eric X of Sweden

> King of Sweden (1180-1216)

**Wikidata**: [Q365103](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q365103)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Knutsson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eric-x-of-sweden

## Summary

Eric X of Sweden (Erik Knutsson) was the King of Sweden from 1180 to 1216. He is one of the earliest documented monarchs of Sweden and ruled during the medieval period, overseeing a kingdom that was still consolidating its political structure during the 12th and early 13th centuries.

## Biography

- **Born**: January 1, 1180
- **Died**: April 10, 1216
- **Nationality**: Swedish
- **Known for**: Ruling as King of Sweden for 36 years during the medieval period
- **Field(s)**: Monarchy, Royalty, Government

## Contributions

Eric X of Sweden's reign represents one of the earliest documented periods of Swedish royal history. As king, he held political authority over Sweden during a formative era of the Swedish monarchy. His 36-year reign (1180-1216) provided continuity and stability to the Swedish crown during the medieval period, a time when the institution of monarchy was being established and strengthened in Scandinavia.

## FAQs

**When did Eric X of Sweden rule?**
Eric X of Sweden ruled from 1180 until his death in 1216, a reign spanning approximately 36 years.

**What is Eric X of Sweden also known as?**
Eric X of Sweden is also known as Erik Knutsson, which appears in multiple historical records and databases.

**What was Eric X of Sweden's occupation?**
Eric X of Sweden was a politician and monarch who served as King of Sweden.

**What country did Eric X of Sweden rule?**
Eric X of Sweden ruled Sweden, a country located in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula.

## Why They Matter

Eric X of Sweden matters as a foundational figure in Swedish royal history. His reign contributed to the establishment and stabilization of the Swedish monarchy during a critical period of medieval state formation. As one of the earliest documented Swedish kings with verifiable reign dates, he represents an important link in the genealogical and political continuity of the Swedish crown. Without monarchs like Eric X, the historical development of Sweden as a unified kingdom and later as a constitutional monarchy would lack its foundational early medieval period.

## Notable For

- One of the earliest documented Kings of Sweden with a verifiable reign period
- Ruled Sweden for 36 years (1180-1216), one of the longer medieval Swedish reigns
- Held the throne during the formative medieval period of Swedish statehood

## Body

### Early Life and Accession

Eric X of Sweden was born on January 1, 1180. He ascended to the Swedish throne in 1180, becoming king during a period when the Swedish monarchy was still developing its institutional structures. The medieval Swedish kingdom was evolving from a collection of regional power centers toward a more unified royal authority.

### Reign as King

Eric X of Sweden ruled from 1180 to 1216, a reign lasting approximately 36 years. His tenure as monarch placed him at the head of Sweden's political structure during the 12th and early 13th centuries. During this period, Sweden was establishing itself as a kingdom with defined territorial boundaries, though the nation would not achieve formal sovereignty until 1523.

### Historical Context

The Sweden of Eric X's era was part of the broader Scandinavian political landscape. Sweden borders Norway to the west and Finland to the east, with connections to Denmark via the Øresund strait. During Eric X's reign, Sweden was transitioning from a feudal society toward a more centralized monarchical structure. The country would later become part of the Kalmar Union and eventually establish its independence in 1523.

### Death and Succession

Eric X of Sweden died on April 10, 1216. His death marked the end of a significant reign in early Swedish history. The monarchy continued through subsequent rulers, eventually leading to the modern constitutional monarchy that Sweden maintains today, with Carl XVI Gustaf as the current monarch since 1973.

### Legacy and Historical Records

Eric X of Sweden is documented in multiple historical databases and records, including Wikidata (ID: /m/03bp_v) and various archival sources. His reign represents an important period in the genealogical succession of Swedish monarchs and provides historical continuity for the Swedish royal family. The information about his reign contributes to the documented history of Sweden as a nation with roots extending back to the early medieval period, with historical links to approximately the year 900.

## References

1. The Peerage
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Erik Knutsson. Dictionary of Swedish National Biography
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. LIBRIS. 2014
6. Sejm-Wielki.pl