Albrecht Wenzel von Wallenstein

Wallenstein was a soldier of fortune whose administrative and financial talents made him one of the richest and most powerful men in Europe.

Born in Hermanice, Bohemia he was educated at the University of Altdorf but was expelled for misconduct and violent behavior after which he continued education at Bologna and Padua. Although a Roman Catholic, he developed a firm belied in astrology and was convinced that his life was under the influence of Saturn which promised great accomplishments.

Wallenstein joined the army of Holy Roman Emperor and distinguished himself in the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) and was rewarded with considerable estates in Bohemia and Moravia and titles. First he was named an imperial count palatine (1622) and then a prince (1625) and duke of Friedland (1624). During the Danish period of the war (1625-1629) he succeeded to raise and maintain an army of 20,000 men for Emperor Ferdinand despite numerous difficulties. For his contributions, this time he was rewarded by being named duke (later prince) of Sagan and duke of Mecklenberg on the Baltic. His wealth was additionally augmented and his power consolidated by two marriages. Wallenstein issued his own coinage bearing a motto: “Invita Invida” or “I invite envy”. Wallenstein ended his life tragically. Accused for treason, he was dissolved of his function and abandoned by most of his generals. During his flight to Weimar he was murdered by imperial order.