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1627, Livonia, Riga (City), Gustav II Adolf of Sweden. Silver Solidus Coin.   

Riga developed as the main merchandise centre of the Livonia Confederation and was a chain between merchants of Western Europe and Lands of Russia. In order to defend its trading interests, Riga joined the Hanseatic League during the late 13th century. Bishop Albert moved his residency here from Ikskile in 1201-02, thus establishing the Bishopric of Riga (the Archbishopric since 1255). Riga had its own coat of arms and flag since 1220's until 1581. When the Livonia Confederation was dissolved in 1561, Riga got the status of free city on the same year. This status lasted until 1581, when Riga had to accept the reign of Poland as the result of later phases of Livonia War.

Gustav II Adolf, (9 December 1594 – 6 November 1632 (O.S.) or Gustav II Adolphus, widely known in English by the Latinized name Gustavus Adolphus and variously in historical writings sometimes as simply just Gustavus, or Gustavus the Great, or Gustav Adolf the Great, (Swedish: Gustav Adolf den store, from the special distinction passed by the Swedish Parliament in 1634), was founder of the Swedish Empire (or Stormaktstiden – "the era of great power") at the beginning of what is widely regarded as the Golden Age of Sweden.

In the era, which was characterized by nearly endless warfare, he led his armies as King of Sweden—from 1611, as a seventeen year old, until his death in battle while leading a charge during 1632 in the bloody Thirty Years' war—as Sweden rose from the status as a mere regional power and run-of-the-mill kingdom to one of the great powers of Europe and a model of early modern era government. Sweden expanded to become the third biggest nation in Europe after Russia and Spain within only a few years during his reign. Some have called him the father of modern warfare, or the first great modern general. It is indisputable that under his tutelage, Sweden and the Protestant cause developed a host of good generals—who continued to expand the empires' strength and influence long after his death in battle.

He was known by the epithets "The Golden King" and "The Lion of the North" by neighboring sovereigns. Gustavus Adolphus is today commemorated in three city squares, one in Stockholm, a second one in Gothenburg and the third in Sundsvall.