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The Crusades 63
a commercial town arose, which became the capital of
Sweden about the middle of the fourteenth century.
But the Swedes were not satisfied with mere defense.
They also proceeded with new attacks on the Finns.
King Eric’s crusade was continued during the reign
of his great-grandson, Eric the Lisper and the Lame,
by the powerful Birger Jarl (Earl Birger), who be-
longed to the wealthy and eminent family of the Folk-
ungs. He was the king’s highest official and the vir-
tual ruler of the kingdom. His crusade was against
the wild Tavastians in central Finland. All who ac-
cepted baptism were spared, those who refused were
slain. Here then Birger Jarl erected the fortress of
Tavastehus.
Denmark’s Crusades and Period of Greatness. Den-
mark, too, was ravaged by pagan hordes from the
southern shores of the Baltic, after the Danes them-
selves had ceased from their viking expeditions. These
hordes were of the Slavic race, related to the Russians.
Such were the Wends of Pomerania. On account of
civil strife Denmark, like Sweden, lay defenseless.
Many royal scions contended for the throne, and it
seemed as if the kingdom would fall to pieces. But res-
cue came from Waldemar, called the Great. A victory
over his rival made him king of all Denmark in 1157.
With great energy he set to work to strengthen and
build up his kingdom. In all his efforts he was ably
assisted by his friend, the wise and powerful Bishop
Absalon. First of all he must secure his land against
the attacks of the Wendish vikings. The king, and
more especially Absalon, visited the Wends with one
successful crusade after another.
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