Sverker I of Sweden
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Sverker I Kolson or Sverker the Elder (died c. 1156) was a king of Sweden between 1133 and about 1156. According to a theory, he was the son of Kol and the grand-son of Blot-Sweyn.
Sverker deposed the Danish prince Magnus the Strong in 1130, and became the king of Sweden. He ruled for about 26 years, but in spite of the long reign not much is known about him. The convents and monasteries of Alvastra, Nydala and Varnhem were founded. According to a Russian chronicle, he made a failed crusade in the east.
He was murdered by his own coach going to the early service on Christmas day, in 1156. This was considered a shocking crime, even by medieval standards. The pretender Magnus Henriksson was suspected of the crime.
His son, Sune Sik Sverkersson Prince of Sweden, by Rycheza of Poland was born c.1154.
| Preceded by: Magnus the Strong | King of Sweden | Succeeded by: Eric the Saint |