Charles XII

Profession: King of Sweden

Biography: Charles assumed power as King of Sweden in 1697 when he was only 15 years old.

Three years later, in 1700, an alliance of European states (Denmark–Norway, Saxony–Poland–Lithuania, and Russia) set upon the Swedish state in what would become known as the Great Northern War. The hope was to tear apart Sweden while its ruler was inexperienced and isolated.

Unfortunately for them, Charles proved to be a skilled tactician that quickly forced his enemies into submission. Despite this, he overextended himself in a subsequent march on Moscow and ended up exiled in the Ottoman Empire.

When he returned to lead an assault on Norway, his two campaigns were frustrated and ended in failure when, in 1718, he died at the Siege of Frederiksten.

Born: June 17, 1682
Birthplace: Tre Kronor, Stockholm, Sweden
Star Sign: Gemini

Died: November 30, 1718 (aged 36)
Cause of Death: Shot dead invading Norway at the Fortress of Fredriksten