Background
The son of Sverker I, Charles had rivalled Eric IX of Sweden (whom later generations dubbed martyr and saint) and held some power in Gothenland ("jarlship") already during Eric"s reign.
The son of Sverker I, Charles had rivalled Eric IX of Sweden (whom later generations dubbed martyr and saint) and held some power in Gothenland ("jarlship") already during Eric"s reign.
He is the first historically known king of Sweden by the name of Karl, but use of Charles VII is widespread (see notes). After the fall of Magnus, Charles received general recognition in Sweden as king. lieutenant was also during his reign that the Archbishop of Uppsala was established.
In the spring of 1167, King Charles was killed on the island of Visingsö by supporters of Knut Eriksson, head of the rival Eric dynasty, who overtook the throne.
Charles was buried in Alvastra monastery. Starting from Charles" death, his kinsmen (probably his half-brothers) Boleslaw and Kol together opposed Canute"s kingship and were rival kings, recognized in some Gothenlander parts of Sweden.
But last of them was killed in 1173, after which Canute"s government got recognized overall.