Charles XII of Sweden

Charles XII of Sweden (1682–1718) was a monarch known for his military leadership and youthful reign. Ascending to the throne at age 15, he aimed to expand Sweden's empire through aggressive wars, notably against Russia and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. His strategic skills initially brought victories, but his relentless campaigns eventually overextended Sweden's resources. His boldness faced setbacks, culminating in his defeat at the Great Northern War, which ended Sweden’s dominance in Northern Europe. Despite his military prowess, his reign is often seen as a period of both impressive achievements and costly overreach, ending with his death during battle at age 36.