Eric of Pomerania vs Sviatoslav I

Eric of Pomerania was crowned King of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden at the Kalmar Union meeting in 1397, under the regency of Margaret I. His coronation formalized the union of the three Scandinavian kingdoms, though Margaret retained real power until her death.

After Margaret I's death, Eric of Pomerania became the sole ruler of the Kalmar Union. He attempted to centralize power and assert royal authority, but his policies often clashed with the nobility, leading to growing tensions within the union.

Eric of Pomerania engaged in a war with the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading confederation. The conflict, which lasted until 1435, resulted in Danish defeats and economic disruption, weakening the Kalmar Union's control over Baltic trade.

Eric of Pomerania introduced the Sound Dues, a toll on all ships passing through the

Eric of Pomerania was deposed as king of Denmark and Sweden by the nobility, who were dissatisfied with his rule and his handling of the union. He was forced into exile on the island of Gotland, and the Kalmar Union effectively collapsed.

Sviatoslav led a campaign against the Khazar Khaganate, capturing the fortress of Sarkel and sacking the capital, Atil. This destroyed the Khazar state, ending its dominance over the steppes and opening the Volga trade route to Rus control.

Sviatoslav invaded the First Bulgarian Empire at the request of the Byzantine Emperor. He defeated the Bulgarian army, occupied much of the country, and established his capital at Pereyaslavets on the Danube, threatening Byzantium.

After a three-month siege by Byzantine forces under Emperor John I Tzimiskes, Sviatoslav's army was defeated at Dorostolon. He was forced to surrender, renounce claims to Bulgaria, and withdraw from the Balkans.

Returning to Kiev, Sviatoslav was ambushed and killed by the Pechenegs at the Dnieper Rapids. The Pecheneg chief Kurya made a drinking cup from Sviatoslav's skull. His death ended his expansionist campaigns.