Christina of Sweden vs Milan I of Serbia

Christina brought leading European intellectuals and artists to her court, including Descartes, who died there. She amassed a vast library and art collection, and her patronage made Stockholm a center of learning. After her abdication, she continued this in Rome, founding the Arcadian Academy.

During Christina's reign, Sweden participated in the Peace of Westphalia negotiations that ended the Thirty Years' War. Sweden gained territories in northern Germany, including Western Pomerania and Bremen-Verden, establishing Sweden as a major European power and securing its control of the Baltic Sea.

Christina abdicated the Swedish throne in favor of her cousin Charles X Gustav, citing her desire to convert to Catholicism, which was illegal in Lutheran Sweden. She formally converted in Brussels and later settled in Rome, where she became a patron of the arts and a prominent figure in the Catholic Church.

After her abdication, Christina attempted to become Queen of Naples, a Spanish possession. She conspired with French Cardinal Mazarin, but the plot failed. Her involvement led to the execution of her servant, the Marquis of Monaldesco, whom she had executed for betrayal.

Milan Obrenovic became Prince of Serbia in June 1868 at age 14 after the assassination of his cousin Mihailo. A regency ruled until he came of age in 1872.

Milan I proclaimed Serbia a kingdom and himself as king in March 1882, elevating the principality to a kingdom. This act was recognized by the great powers and increased Serbia's international status.

Milan I declared war on Bulgaria in November 1885, but Serbian forces were defeated at the Battle of Slivnitsa. The war ended with a peace treaty mediated by Austria-Hungary, resulting in no territorial changes.

Milan I abdicated the Serbian throne in March 1889 in favor of his son Alexander. He went into exile, partly due to political pressure and personal scandals.