Charles VIII of Sweden

Charles VIII of Sweden (in reality Charles II), Charles I of Norway, also Carl, Swedish: Karl Knutsson (Bonde), was king of Sweden (1448–1457, 1464–1465 and from 1467 to his death in 1470) and king of Norway (1449–1450).

Referring to Karl Knutsson as King Charles VIII is a later invention, counting backwards from Charles IX (1604–1611), who adopted his numeral after studying a fictitious history of Sweden. Prior to Karl Knutsson, Sweden had only had one king named Karl (Charles). Charles's first queen's tombstone at Vadstena as well as his coins thus correctly refer to him as Charles II.

Read more about Charles VIII Of Sweden:  Early Life, Growing Influence, King of Sweden, Later Reigns, Family, Legacy

Famous quotes containing the word viii:

    When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
    What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
    —Bible: Hebrew Psalm VIII (l. VIII, 3–4)