The Middle Ages
The period called the Middle Ages, or the Medieval Period, starts in about 1050.
This is at the end of the Iron Age
when Christianity became established in Scandinavia.
The Middle Ages ends at the start of the 1500s.
Gustav Vasa became King of Sweden then
and Christianity was changed by the Reformation.
Silver cross from Öland.
The time between 1050 and 1350 is called the Early Middle Ages
The time between 1350 and 1500 AD is called the Late Middle Ages.
Italian writers in the 16th century thought the Middle Ages was a dark time
between two light periods in human history.
The light periods were the ancient world and the Renaissance.
This is why the Middle Ages is sometimes called the Dark Ages.
Christianity was important in uniting Sweden.
Christian missionaries had visited Scandinavia as early as the 9th century to convert the people to Christianity.
They did not succeed.
Christianity did not become established until the end of the 10th century.
The first Swedish kings and chieftains were christened then.
The ordinary people did not become Christian until the 13th century.
Go to the Early Middle Ages and the Late Middle Ages »
- Updated: 30 November 2009
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