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Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Extraordinary Life of a Seventeenth-Century Ruler

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Christina, Queen of Sweden, was one of the most extraordinary rulers of the seventeenth century. She was a brilliant intellectual, a patron of the arts, and a skilled diplomat. She abdicated her throne at the age of 28 to pursue her interests in philosophy, theology, and science.

Christina Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric

by Veronica Buckley

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Christina was born in Stockholm in 1626. Her father, Gustavus Adolphus, was one of the most successful military commanders in European history. Her mother, Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg, was a devout Lutheran. Christina was a precocious child, and she quickly became fluent in several languages. She was also a gifted musician and artist.

In 1632, Gustavus Adolphus was killed at the Battle of Lützen. Christina succeeded him to the throne at the age of six. She was crowned queen in 1644. Christina was a strong and independent ruler. She refused to marry, and she often clashed with the Swedish nobility.

In 1654, Christina abdicated her throne. She converted to Catholicism and moved to Rome. She spent the rest of her life studying, writing, and collecting art. Christina was a patron of many artists and scholars, including René Descartes, Nicolas Poussin, and Claude Lorrain.

Christina died in Rome in 1689. She is buried in the Vatican Basilica. Christina was a complex and fascinating figure. She was a brilliant intellectual, a strong ruler, and a devout Catholic. She was also a patron of the arts and a collector of books and manuscripts.

Christina's Legacy

Christina's legacy is complex and multifaceted. She is remembered as a brilliant intellectual, a strong ruler, and a devout Catholic. She is also remembered as a patron of the arts and a collector of books and manuscripts.

Christina's writings and her collection of art and books are a valuable source of information about the seventeenth century. Her writings provide insights into her intellectual and spiritual development. Her collection of art and books reflects her wide-ranging interests and her patronage of the arts.

Christina was a unique and extraordinary figure. She was a woman who lived her life on her own terms. She was a pioneer for women's rights and education. She was a patron of the arts and a collector of books and manuscripts. She was a devout Catholic and a seeker of knowledge. Christina's legacy is a lasting one. She is remembered as one of the most important figures of the seventeenth century.