Axel Gustaffson Oxenstierna

Oxenstierna, Axel Gustaffson (1583–1654), Swedish politician. As chancellor (1612–54) he served under King Gustavus Adolphus (Gustavus II, r. 1611–32), Queen Christina (1632–54), and Charles X (1654), also acting as head of the regency (1632–44) until Queen Christina came of age. A close friend and adviser of Gustavus II, he was chief administrator during the military conflicts with Denmark and Russia and the Thirty Years War (1618–48). He also wrote the 1634 constitution, which strengthened Sweden's central government.

See also: Sweden.