Stockholm [antikvár]

QTA f \ 1/ II n I IV/I Capital of Sweden, deO I LyOI\nvJLIVI ligthfully situated where the waters of Laké Málaren jóin the Baltic, is widely famed and praised for its beauty. "The Queen of the Málaren", "The Venice of the North'V'The City on the Water", "The Beautiful Sinner" are among the poetic epithets applied at times to this Nordic metropolis. The history of Stockholm is lost in the mist of saga and legend. i It was not until 1252 that the name "Stockholm" first appeared in the old annals. It is probable however that there was a citadel on the present-day Stockholmén as early as the end of the 12th century. Tradition has it that, aböut the middle of the 13th century, Birger Jarl promoted the building of the first town-like settlement on this site. This is why Birger Jarl is looked upon as the real founder of Stockholm. Although many interesting explanations have been advanced as to how the name " Stockholm" arose, it is most probable that it came from the stocks or piles which supported the bridge across Norrström. In the development of Stockholm through the ages one can discern three main epochs. The first covers the period about the end of the 13th century during which time the City was founded and grew in size and importance. The second coincides with the period of Sweden's greatness from 1611 to 1718 during which Stockholm became the permanent seat of government. The third represents the era of revolutionary changes which began during the latter half of the 19th century and which can be said to have not yet reached its close. The first epoch is the subject of a colourful description in the old Erik Chronicles: