John III of Sweden

John III (Swedish: Johan III, Finnish: Juhana III) (20 December 1537 – 17 November 1592) was King of Sweden from 1568 until his death. He was the son of King Gustav I of Sweden and his second wife Margaret Leijonhufvud. He was also quite autonomously the ruler of Finland (as Duke John) from 1556 to 1563. In 1581 he assumed also the title Grand Prince of Finland. He was the second son of Gustav Vasa (1523–1560). His mother was Margareta Leijonhufv... more

John III (Swedish: Johan III, Finnish: Juhana III) (20 December 1537 – 17 November 1592) was King of Sweden from 1568 until his death. He was the son of King Gustav I of Sweden and his second wife Margaret Leijonhufvud. He was also quite autonomously the ruler of Finland (as Duke John) from 1556 to 1563. In 1581 he assumed also the title Grand Prince of Finland. He was the second son of Gustav Vasa (1523–1560). His mother was Margareta Leijonhufvud (1514–1551), a Swedish noblewoman. As a Duke of Finland he opposed his half-brother Eric XIV of Sweden (1560–1568) and was imprisoned in 1563. After his release from prison, probably because of his brother's insanity, John again joined the opposition, deposed Eric and made himself the king. His important ally was his maternal uncle Sten Leijonhufvud, who at deathbed was made Count of Raseborg. Shortly after this John executed his brother's most trusted counsellor, Jöran Persson, whom he held largely responsible for his harsh treatment while... less