[A Mighty Fortress in Würzburg - Part II]


"A Mighty Fortress in Würzburg"
Part II

The Lutheran Journal, Vol. 48, #3, 1981

Whereas "A Mighty Fortress in Würzburg, Part I" dealt primarily with the Reformation of the 16th century and the Peasant’s Revolt of 1525, this article concentrates on the Counter Reformation period of the 17th century, specifically, the Thirty-Years’ War (1618-1648). It includes the role of Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, Lion of the North, and Bulwark of the Protestant Faith who fought to save northern Europe from being forced to accept the Catholic faith by the armies of Ferdinand, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Gustavus Adolphus stormed numerous castles and fortresses successfully throughout Europe. Yet, he lost his life in the defense of Protestanism at the Battle of Lützen near Leipzig on November 6, 1632.

The cover photo by me shows a commemorative gold coin issued in the 17th century in honor of Gustavus Adolphus. It is now located at the Kulturhistorisches Museum in Stralsund, in northern Germany.

Erwin Weber

April, 1997