Consolidation of Sweden

Approximate borders of Sweden in the 12th century before the incorporation of Finland during the 13th century. Blue and yellow represent the Geats and Suiones tribes; their unification marks the consolidation of Sweden (in one commonly-held view).
  Geats
  Suiones
  Gutes

The consolidation of Sweden involved an extensive process during which the loosely organized social system consolidated under the power of the king. The actual age of the Swedish kingdom is unknown.[1] Also, for various reasons, scholars differ in defining early Sweden as either a country, state or kingdom.

There is no agreement on a reliable date for a unified Sweden. Historians judge differently the sources for the history of Sweden's consolidation. The earliest history blends with Norse mythology. Early primary sources are foreign; secondary sources were written at a later date.

  1. ^ Hadenius, S; Nilsson, T and Åselius, G. (1996:13):
      "Hur och när det svenska riket uppstod vet vi inte. Först under 1100-talet börjar skriftliga dokument produceras i Sverige i någon större omfattning [...]"   "How and when the Swedish kingdom appeared is not known. It is not until the 12th century that written documents begin to be produced in Sweden in any larger extent [...]"