Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 November 1901 — A Scandinavian Nero. [ARTICLE]

A Scandinavian Nero.

Christian 11, King of Denmark and Sweden, was surnamed the “Nero of the North” on account of his cruelties. In 1520 he succeeded In having himself elected King of Sweden at a time when that country was distracted by civil factions; and the way he accomplished his design was an act of the most infamous treachery. Having assembled the chief nobles and prelates at Stockholm, on the occasion of his coronation, he had them .suddenly arrested and publicly executed, as the most expeditious way of getting rid of all opposition for the future. He also massacred a number of citizens. But the cruel vengeance and treachery of Christian excited the Indignation of the Swedes, and rising under the leadership of the famous Gustavus Vasa, they expelled the Danes from the country. Shortly afterwards his disgusted Daneß drove him out of Denmark also, and he fled to the Netherlands. On returning with an army he was defeated, and confined for twelve years In the castle of Sonderburg.