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Christian V of Denmark

Flensburg, 25 Apr 1646 – Copenhagen, 4 Sep 1699

11 facts3 sources

Facts and their sources

A life in time

  1. 25 Apr 1646

    Born in Flensburg

  2. 1670–1699

    Monarch of Denmark

  3. 1670–1699

    Monarch of Norway

  4. 1671–1687

    12 children are born

  5. 4 Sep 1699

    Dies in Copenhagen, aged 53

Family

See the tree

Parents

Partner

Children · 12

During his lifetime

He lived through 6 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Flensburg.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1640s · Christian V is born in Flensburg

In the news1618–1648

Destruction of the Thirty Years' War

The Thirty Years' War, lasting from 1618 to 1648, caused a demographic catastrophe where roughly one-third of urban residents and two-fifths of the rural population perished. Soldiers and camp followers frequently destroyed crops and seized food, leading to widespread famine and forcing villagers to abandon their land.

Getting around

Travel Speeds Were Generally Very Slow

Typical travelers, often delayed by weather, poor roads, or cargo, were generally happy to cover 100 kilometers in a week.

In the news1644–1645

Swedish forces invade Jutland

A Swedish invasion of Jutland in 1644 caused widespread disruption to the rural economy and population.

Daily life

Dark and smoky rural homes

Rural homes, known as Hallenhäuser, lacked chimneys; the open fire caused dark, smoky, and stuffy living conditions. Families often lived under the same roof as their livestock, sharing the space with generations and servants.

What people wore

Men's fashion favored comfort and leather boots

During the Thirty Years' War, men's fashion shifted toward comfort, featuring high-waisted doublets and wide, knee-length breeches that fell in loose folds. Soldiers and educated men alike popularized large leather boots that reached above the knee, which were often worn turned down or slouching.

Music

Versatile Town Instruments

Town musicians often played versatile instruments like the cornett, a wooden instrument with a sweet, singing tone, which was used for indoor and outdoor performances.

At the table

Eating Porridge with Hands

Grain porridge was the most important hot meal, often made of oats or millet and reheated until thick. Families typically ate it by taking pieces directly from a central bowl with their hands.