Final answer:
Stormaktstiden, or The Age of Great Power, refers to the period when Sweden became a significant European power, with extensive military influence and territorial control during the 17th and early 18th centuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stormaktstiden - The Age of Great Power
The term Stormaktstiden, or The Age of Great Power, pertains to a period in European and specifically Scandinavian history, during which Sweden emerged as a significant and influential power in Europe. This era is characterized by Sweden's extensive military campaigns and territorial expansion, encompassing the 17th century and part of the 18th. It was a time when Sweden's influence and control extended beyond its traditional borders, impacting politics, trade, and culture in the region. This period stands in contrast to earlier European history, such as the height of the Hundred Years War, the Scandinavian Union of Kalmar, or the final decay of the Byzantine Empire around 1430 A.D.
Within this context, historical landmarks such as the Jelling Stones in Denmark serve as a reminder of the region's significant shifts, including the political consolidation of states and the Christianization of the Nordic people. The larger stone is considered Denmark's baptismal certificate, indicating a departure from Norse paganism to Christianity and a step towards the formation of nation-states.
The Age of Great Power, therefore, signifies a critical juncture in Scandinavian and European history, reflecting shifts in political power balances, military strategies, and cultural dynamics, as nations across the continent were re