Stockholm Bloodbath in 1520

The Stockholm Bloodbath in November 1520 became a decisive episode in the final decline of the Kalmar Union.

In 1520 the King of Denmark, Christian II, occupied Stockholm after a violent war and along siege. At the Franciscan cloister, on October 30th A Danish bishop proclaimed him as King of Sweden by inheritance. 

The rules of war laid down that if a city siege surrendered and do not have to be taken by force, its citizen were spared rape and the sword. Christian II broke this rule and committed a war crime.

He falsely lured the nobles to an assembly at Stockholm. The king’s enemies were arrested, taken to Stockholm Castle and tried by Archbishop Trolle for heresy and showing disregard for ecclesiastical rights and authority.

The royal executioner set to work immediately, his 82 victims including archbishops and nobleman from many of the great families. They were rounded up, brought to Stortorget or Old Square and beheaded.

For two days, rivers of blood were said to have flowed through the streets. The Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520 was the maddest crime recorded in history. The event was taking place between November 7 and November 9 in 1520.

One victim’s son escaped and went into hiding. Later Gustav Erickson Vasa managed to stir up a successful rebellion against Danish rule and become Sweden’s first king on 6 June 1523.

The executions spread as far as Finland and were continued during the king’s triumphant return journey to Copenhagen across southern Sweden, the total number of victims being estimated at 600, murdered as he passed by.
Stockholm Bloodbath in 1520