Portal:Denmark/Selected biography/2007/52



Christian IV of Denmark and Norway (12 April 1577 – 28 February 1648) was the longest reigning Danish monarch with a reign of almost 60 years. His reign was characterized by wars and rivalry with Sweden as well as his unsuccessful involvement in the Thirty Years' War. He is also remembered for founding a number of towns and a large number of buildings, including Børsen, Rundetårn and Holy Trinity Church in Kristianstad. He features in the Danish national play Elverhøj (The Elf's Hill) and is the central figure in the Danish royal anthem Kong Christian stod ved højen mast.

Christian was the son of Frederick II and Sophia of Mecklenburg. He was born at Frederiksborg Palace in 1577, and succeeded to the throne on the death of his father (4 April 1588), attaining his majority on 17 August 1596. ...

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