John III of Sweden

John III (Johan III) (December 23, 1537 - November 27, 1592) was King of Sweden from 1568 until his death. He was also the ruler of Finland as Duke John or Hertig Johan (1556–1563). In 1581 he assumed also the title the Grand Duke of Finland.

Related Topics:
December 23 - 1537 - November 27 - 1592 - King of Sweden - 1568 - Finland - 1556 - 1563 - 1581 - Grand Duke of Finland

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He was the son of Gustav Vasa. He married his first wife, Catherine Jagellonica of Poland (1526–1583), house of Jagiello, in Vilnius on October 4, 1562. In Sweden she is known as Katarina Jagellonica and she was the sister of king Sigismund II of Poland. Their children were:

Related Topics:
Gustav Vasa - Catherine Jagellonica of Poland - 1526 - 1583 - Jagiello - Vilnius - October 4 - 1562 - Sigismund II of Poland

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• Isabella (1564–1566)
• Sigismund king of Sweden, and king of Poland (1566–1632)
• Anna (1568–1625)

He married his second wife Gunilla Bielke (1568–c. 1592) on February 21, 1584 and together they had the son:

Related Topics:
1568 - 1592 - February 21 - 1584

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• John (Johan) (1589–1618), Duke of Ostrogothia. The young duke married his first cousin Mary Elisabeth, daughter of Charles IX of Sweden

Together with his mistress Karin Hansdotter he had at least four illegitimate children:

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• Julius Gyllenhielm (1559?1581)
• Augustus (died 1560)
• Sofia (ca 1559?1583) who married Ponce (Pontus) de la Gardei
• Lucretia (died 1585)

See also: History of Sweden – Foundation of Modern Sweden

Related Topics:
History of Sweden - Foundation of Modern Sweden

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