1565 in Sweden

Years in Sweden:	1562 1563 1564 1565 1566 1567 1568
Centuries:	15th century · 16th century · 17th century
Decades:	1530s 1540s 1550s 1560s 1570s 1580s 1590s
Years:	1562 1563 1564 1565 1566 1567 1568

Verwilt Isabella Vasa

Battle of Axtorna

Events from the year 1565 in Sweden

Incumbents

• Monarch – Eric XIV

Eric XIV (13 December 1533 – 26 February 1577) was King of Sweden from 1560 to 1568, ascending the throne as the eldest son of Gustav I (Gustav Vasa) and Catherine of Saxe-Lauenburg. His reign was marked by ambition, intrigue, and a mix of reformist and authoritarian policies, contributing to his controversial legacy in Swedish history.

Early Life and Accession to the Throne

Born in Stockholm, Eric XIV was groomed from an early age to inherit the throne. He received a well-rounded education in languages, politics, and military strategy, reflecting the Renaissance ideals of the time. Upon the death of his father in 1560, Eric became king, inheriting a relatively stable and independent Sweden.

Events

• Eric XIV's reign was characterized by significant events and initiatives, including:
  • Centralization of Power: Eric sought to strengthen the monarchy's authority over the nobility, continuing reforms initiated by his father. This effort brought him into conflict with the Swedish aristocracy, particularly the influential Sture family.
  • Kalmar War (1563–1570): One of the defining conflicts of Eric's reign was the Nordic Seven Years' War, also known as the Kalmar War, fought against Denmark-Norway and Lübeck. Eric's aggressive foreign policy aimed to assert Swedish dominance in the Baltic region, but the prolonged war strained Sweden's economy and resources.
  • Domestic Reforms: Eric introduced reforms to improve Sweden's administration, including revisions to the judicial and taxation systems. These efforts, however, were overshadowed by his erratic behavior and mistrust of the nobility.
  • Conflict with the Sture Family: Eric's paranoia culminated in the infamous Sture Murders in 1567, when he ordered the execution of several members of the Sture family. This act significantly weakened his support among the nobility and contributed to his eventual downfall. January - The Swedes sack the Danish provinces of Scania and Halland under Klas Horn.
• 21 May - Swedish victory in the Sea Battle in Pomerania.
• 4 June - Action of 4 June 1565
• 9 June - The Teutonic Order declares war against Sweden in Livonia.
• 7 July - Action of 7 July 1565
• July - The Danes burn Swedish Lödöse.
• 13 August - Swedish victory at the Battle of Obermühlenberg.
• 28 August - Danish Varberg is conquered by the Swedes.
• 8 September - Princess Cecilia of Sweden arrives on her official visit to England. Among the persons in her retinue is Helena Snakenborg.
• 20 October - Battle of Axtorna
• - Sweden is struck by the plague.

Births

• 10 November - Laurentius Paulinus Gothus, theologian, astronomer and archbishop (died 1646)