Battles & Campaigns · 1598
Battle of Stångebro
Linköping, Sweden
What happened
Sigismund's army rode out of Linköping and met Charles's forces at two bridges over the Stångån river. Thick fog hid troop movements. Charles won at the larger bridge, then after fierce fighting at the smaller one Sigismund asked for a truce.
Why it matters
Sigismund lost control of Sweden, ending the union of Sweden and Poland–Lithuania. It also began decades of wars between Poland and Sweden.
What came next
Charles was proclaimed king in 1600 and took the name Charles IX in 1603.
Did you know?
Sigismund was captured during the battle but, as King of Poland–Lithuania, was allowed to go home.
Timeline
- 1592Union of Sweden and Poland–Lithuania begins.
- 25 Sep 1598Battle of Stångebro.
- 12 May 1599Kalmar, the last royal stronghold, falls.
- 1603Charles takes the name Charles IX.