The Amazon of Rome The Adventurous Life of Christina of Sweden (1626-1689) By Gloria Kaiser, Translated by Lowell A. Bangerter

Christina of Sweden, a highly educated Lutheran monarch of the 17th century, defies the expectations of her society, refuses to marry, abdicates her throne, converts to Catholicism, and moves to Rome, where she lives a libertine life of her own choosing. In the process, she contributes to ending the Thirty Years War in 1648 and later becomes involved in political and religious machinations in Rome, including membership in the Squadone Volante, which advocates the free election of the Pope, and an intrigue that results in the execution of Rinaldo Giovanni Monaldesco. Other significant elements of her life include the establishment of a scientific academy, love affairs with persons of both sexes, hostile relationships with women pope-makers, and important friendships with artists such as Gianlorenzo Bernini. A very significant relationship begins when she becomes associated with the Lusitanian Jesuit father António Vieira, who has been condemned by the Portuguese Inquisition. During her later years she becomes a patroness of the arts and a collector of paintings, and establishes a significant library. Known as the “Minerva of the North,” Christina dies as “Padrona di Roma” at the age of 63, and is buried in St. Peter’s Cathedral.