Anna Åkerhielm facts for kids
Anna Åkerhielm (born Anna Agriconia) was a Swedish writer and explorer. She lived from 1642 to 1698. Anna was very special because she was the first woman in Sweden to be made a noble for her own achievements. This happened in 1691.
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About Anna Åkerhielm
Her Early Life
Anna Agriconia was born in Nyköping, Sweden, in 1642. Her father was a priest named Magnus Jonae Agriconius. Sadly, Anna became an orphan when she was quite young.
Her brother, Samuel, worked as a secretary. He worked for Sweden in other countries, like London and Paris. Samuel himself became a noble in 1679.
In 1671, Anna started working for Princess Maria Eufrosyne. The Princess was the aunt of King Charles XI of Sweden. Anna was known for being very smart and loving science.
A Special Friendship
Anna became a close friend and companion to Princess Maria Eufrosyne's daughter, Charlotta De la Gardie. They had a very strong friendship.
In 1682, Charlotta married a military officer named Otto Wilhelm Königsmarck. He traveled a lot for his military work across Europe. Anna and Charlotta often went with him. They traveled to places like the Republic of Venice and Greece.
Adventures and Discoveries
From 1686 to 1689, Königsmarck served in the army of Venice. They were fighting against the Ottoman Empire in Greece during the Morean War. Anna and Charlotta were right there with him.
People at the time wrote about how Anna and Charlotta spent their time. They did scientific research during their travels. They even explored the ancient ruins of the Acropolis in Athens. Anna also wrote about talking with smart Greek people. They discussed science and deep ideas.
Finding an Ancient Book
In 1687, the famous Parthenon building was hit by cannons. Anna explored the ruins after this happened. She found an old Arabic book there! When she returned to Sweden, she gave this special book to Uppsala University.
Anna also wrote a detailed story about her travels. She described her time and discoveries in Greece. Her brother, Samuel, published her writings in a Swedish newspaper. This made Anna the first Swedish war correspondent. She was reporting from a war zone!
Later Life and Legacy
After Königsmarck died in 1688, Anna lived with Charlotta De la Gardie. They lived in Stade, which was a Swedish area in Germany at the time.
In 1691, King Charles made Anna a noble. Her last name changed from Agriconia to Åkerhjelm. Other women had become nobles before her. But Anna was likely the first woman to be made a noble because of her own actions and achievements. Before her, women usually became noble because of a male relative.
Anna Åkerhjelm passed away in Stade, Germany. Some records say she died in 1693, while others say February 11, 1698.
