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Kristian III 1503-59
King of Denmark and Norway

Born in Gottorp, Schleswig, the son and successor of Frederik I, he was an ardent Lutheran, imposed the Reformation on Denmark, Norway and Iceland, and established the Lutheran State Church. His reign began in 1534, during the civil war (1533-36) between Catholic supporters of the ex-king, Kristian II, and the Protestant son of Frederik. After the capitulation of Copenhagen (1536), Kristian confiscated Church lands, encouraged agriculture and trade, made Denmark more aware of its national identity, and hugely strengthened the monarchy. He also brought out a Danish translation of the German Bible (1550).