Episode 155: Queen Christina of Sweden - the Queen who was King

EPISODE · Jun 23, 2025 · 58 MIN

Episode 155: Queen Christina of Sweden - the Queen who was King

from History For Weirdos · host Andrew & Stephanie

Queen Christina of Sweden (King Christina?) wasn’t your typical monarch—she was crowned as a child king, educated like a prince, and swiftly turned Sweden into Europe’s unexpected cultural powerhouse. Fluent in multiple languages and a patron to thinkers like René Descartes, Christina shook up her court by rejecting marriage, embracing religious tolerance, and openly expressing love for noblewoman Ebba Sparre, scandalizing conservative 17th-century society. But just when everyone thought they'd figured her out, Christina shocked the continent once again by abdicating the throne and converting from Lutheranism to Catholicism—a dramatic move that echoed across Europe. Yet, stepping down didn’t stop Christina from dreaming big. After her reign in Sweden, she ambitiously eyed not one, but two other crowns—Naples and Poland. Her adventurous (and controversial) plots ultimately fizzled, but her determination never did. Queen Christina spent her remaining years in Rome, hosting intellectual salons and accumulating vast collections of art and literature, leaving behind a legacy that defies categorization. Join us this episode as we dive into the remarkable life of Christina: queen, king, rebel, and above all, a true royal Weirdo. - Get History For Weirdos merch ⁠⁠here⁠⁠! - Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇 Email: [email protected] IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠historyforweirdos.com⁠⁠ - Sources for this week: Veronica Buckley, Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric (Harper Perennial, 2005) Encyclopedia Britannica – “Christina (queen of Sweden)” britannica.com/biography/Christina-queen-of-Sweden Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)  Video: History Tea Time with Lindsay Holiday - Queen Christina of Sweden Video: Kristina the Girl King of Sweden: A Historical Profile by Jessica Kellgren-Fozgard Wikipedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NOW PLAYING

Episode 155: Queen Christina of Sweden - the Queen who was King

0:00 58:18

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Photo Breakdown Scott Wyden Kivowitz Photo Breakdown is a podcast in which we explore the world of photography with a trusted guide, host Scott Wyden Kivowitz. His expertise and passion bring the industry to life as we explore the stories, trends, and ideas shaping it today. Join us as we dissect everything from incredible photographs and creative techniques to the latest gear releases and hot topics in the photography community.In each episode, we break down what’s happening behind the scenes - whether it’s making a powerful image, a candid discussion on industry trends, or a reflection on the tools and technology changing how we make photographs. You’ll get insights, expert opinions, and a fresh perspective on what’s top of mind for photographers right now.Anticipate short, engaging episodes brimming with ideas and inspiration. Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts, voice notes, and comments. Your participation is what makes our community vibrant and dynamic.It’s more than just photography - everyth The Last Outlaws Impact Studios at UTS In a History Lab season like no other, we're pulling on the threads of one of Australia's great misunderstood histories, moving beyond the myths to learn what the Aboriginal brothers Jimmy and Joe Governor faced in both life and death.Australia's budding Federation is the background setting to this remarkable story, that sees the Governor brothers tied to the inauguration of a 'new' nation and Australia's dark history of frontier violence, racial injustice and the global trade and defilement of Aboriginal ancestral remains. This Impact Studios production is a collaboration with the Governor family, UTS Faculty of Law and Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research.The Last Outlaws teamKatherine Biber - UTS Law Professor and Chief InvestigatorAunty Loretta Parsley - Great-granddaughter of Jimmy Governor and the Governor Family Historian Leroy Parsons - Governor descendant, Narrator and Co-WriterKaitlyn Sawrey - Host, Writer and Senior ProducerFrank Lopez - Writer, Managing Next Generation Energy Systems Cambridge University Background Stakeholders working with energy systems have to make complex decisions formulated from risk-based assessments about the future. The move towards more renewables in our energy systems complicates matters even further, requiring the development of an integrated power grid and continuous and steady transformation of the UK power system. Network flows must be managed reliably under uncertain demands, uncertain supply, emerging network technologies and possible failures and, further, prices in related markets can be highly volatile. Mathematicians working with engineers and economists, can make significant contributions to address such issues, by helping to develop fit-for-purpose models for next generation energy systems. These interdisciplinary approaches are looking to address a range of associated problems, including modelling, prediction, simulation, control, market and mechanism design and optimisation. This knowledge exchange workshop was part of the four months Res WSJ Free for All with Jason Gay Jason Gay, The Wall Street Journal In his unique style, Jason Gay from The Wall Street Journal discusses the current events and news you need to be informed on sports, culture and life. Enjoy these timely and engaging stories in our WSJ Free for All podcast.
URL copied to clipboard!