Realm of Sweden - Lands of Sweden

Lands of Sweden

Researchers from the 19th century have suggested that in the 9th century Svealand, which they claimed was the historical core region of Sweden, expanded southwards, conquering Gothia. Little is known however from this time and more contemporary researchers have suggested that Gothia might as well have been the core region, or the two region were joined through a union.

In the 11th century Sweden also expanded to the east conquering the parts which came to be called Österland, present-day Finland, through crusades. Norrland was made a part of the kingdom in the 16th century. In the 17th century the kingdom expanded to the south and east, except for short-period holdings in Norway, incorporating Scania, Blekinge, Halland and Bohuslän as well as Pomerania. On the other side of the Baltic Sea Kexholm County, Ingria and present day Latvia was also incorporated.