The Conquest of Kalmar ( sv, Erövringen av Kalmar) took place on 27 May 1523, during the

Swedish War of Liberation The Swedish War of Liberation (1521–23; sv, Befrielsekriget, lit=The Liberation War), also known as Gustav Vasa's Rebellion and the Swedish War of Secession, was a rebellion and a civil war in which the nobleman Gustav Vasa deposed King Chri ...

(1521-1523). In the beginning of 1523, Kalmar and

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remained as the only real

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strongholds in

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. The situation in Kalmar was tense, with many

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Landsknechte mercenaries in Danish hire stationed in the city. They were under orders that, if the city were to be attacked, they should kill all burghers of Swedish origin, burn the city and

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, retreat, and regroup in Visby,

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. When this order became known in the city, the inhabitants quickly made contact with the commanders of the besieging Swedish forces, Arvid Västgöte and Peder Hansson. An agreement was made that the burghers would leave the northern city gate open on the night before 27 May. This was done, and the attack began. Before dawn, the city was in Swedish hands. Eight days later Kalmar Castle surrendered as well, and Arvid Västgöte continued on to cleanse Öland of Danish troops.

References

* 1523 in Europe Kalmar Kalmar Kalmar 16th century in Denmark 1523 in Sweden 1523 in Denmark Kalmar {{Sweden-battle-stub