S2. Swedish Urban Bomb Shelters

In another episode full of regal drama, sometimes playing out more like a South American telenovela than Swedish history, we finish the story of the Stenkil dynasty, beginning with the brothers Filip and Inge the Younger. We also meet Ingegerd, in whom so many great historical narratives converge. Religious matters continue to keep the Swedes on their toes, as the Crusades turn local! We end up with a three-way fight for the Swedish throne as the Stenkil dynasty comes to an end, just before a potential hostage situation confuses things.

4 Huhti 202147min

As Sweden progresses through the High Middle Ages, Christianity is becoming an increasingly important part of everyone's lives, from the kings down to the peasants. The church is taking control over some parts of local administration, education, taxation and large public building works such as Sweden's first abbeys. We can't understand life in Sweden at this point, and going forward, if we don't understand how religion played its role in the running of the country.

21 Maalis 20211h 1min

The relative stability of the Olof Skötkonung dynasty is thrown into chaos. Strap yourselves in for power struggles, pagan revolts, more Scandinavian wars and the construction of Sweden's first Abbey. We rattle through half a century of political and royal drama as the crown changes hands back and forth throughout the period.    If you want to skip ahead in the narrative, on 24th April we will be talking about Sweden during the Second World War at Intelligent Speech 2021! Get your tickets here and use the code "Sweden" for an extra 10% off: https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/product/intelligent-speech-spring-2021/

7 Maalis 20211h 15min

We start this episode in 1022 as Anund Jakob ascends the throne of Sweden, becoming King after his father, Olof Skötkonung. We look at his reign and how he was followed by his half-brother Emund. There is as always more war among the Scandinavian nations, religious turmoil and an intriguing historical dilemma surrounding some coins minted in Sigtuna!  (Had to briefly take down the episode as we noticed some bad editing at the end, if you got that copy, enjoy the rare outtakes!)

21 Helmi 20211h 19min

After two special episodes, we return to the chronological narrative. We enter the High Middle Ages and prepare to finally say goodbye to the Vikings. We find out about the lovely herring people would have eaten, see slavery begin to disappear and generally see how life was changing for people in this period.

7 Helmi 202156min

This time we celebrate one whole year of us talking about Swedish history! We look back at our favourite moments, and reflect on all the things we have talked about so far. We both go through our top 5 favourite things from the first year, thank all you lovely listeners and give a few shout outs to some fellow podcasts we have met along the way.  Thank you as ever for all the lovely messages, reviews and emails! :)

24 Tammi 202144min

We're out and about again! This time we visit Sweden's oldest town, Sigtuna. Founded by Viking leader Erik Segersäll and improved on by his son and King, Olof Skötkonung, the town still has lots of remains from that time visible today.  Listen to us explore the runestones, church ruins and Sweden's oldest main street, in our second on-location recording. Unfortunately, it also has some not very podcast-friendly ducks! Bonus: brief history of the Dala horse included in the review section at the end.

27 Joulu 202052min