Profession: General and Nobleman
Biography: An ambitious Bohemian military leader who played a major role in leading the forces of the Holy Roman Empire during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648).
Born Protestant, he converted to Catholicism in 1606. He made his name and fortune as a mercenary and through strategic marriages before gaining notice at the battle of White Mountain in 1620. Continued military success and loyalty to Ferdinand II led to him being appointed a count palatine then Duke of Freidland. Appointed Supreme Commander and Admiral of the Baltic Seas in 1628, he was then dismissed by the Emperor, now wary of the extent of his ambition.
Wallenstein was recalled to military service after a series of Protestant victories in the war and he fought the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus in a number of encounters until the King's death at the Battle of Lützen. Wallenstein was assassinated in 1634 amid accusations of high treason on the Emperor's orders after the general looked to negotiate peace deals to end the war.
Born: September 24, 1583
Birthplace: Heřmanice, Kingdom of Bohemia, Holy Roman Empire
Star Sign: Libra
Died: February 25, 1634 (aged 50)
Cause of Death: Assassinated with the approval of Emperor Ferdinand II
Historical Events
- 1625-04-07 Albrecht von Wallenstein appointed German supreme commander
- 1626-04-25 Battle of Dessau Bridge: Albrecht von Wallenstein at head of Holy Roman Empire forces defeats Danish attempt led by Ernst von Mansfeld's to cross Elbe River (Thirty Years' War)
- 1630-08-13 Ferdinand II dismisses supreme commander Albrecht von Wallenstein
- 1632-04-16 Albrecht von Wallenstein appointed supreme military commander of the Holy Roman Empire
- 1632-05-25 Albrecht von Wallenstein recaptures Prague on Saksen
- 1632-11-16 Battle of Lützen: Significant battle of Thirty Years' War - Swedish and Saxon forces defeat the Holy Roman Empire, at cost of the death of Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus
- 1634-01-24 Emperor Ferdinand II declares Albrecht von Wallenstein a traitor
- 1634-02-18 Ferdinand II orders commander Albrecht von Wallenstein's execution
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