Uncovering a 16th-Century Battlefield
Archaeologists from the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation have unearthed burials dating back to the Schmalkaldic War (1546–1547). Remarkably, these discoveries align with details depicted in a 1551 historical painting, providing new insights into this pivotal conflict.
The Schmalkaldic War: A Battle for Religious Control
The Schmalkaldic War was a struggle between the forces of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and Maurice, Duke of Saxony, against the Lutheran Schmalkaldic League—a coalition of Protestant principalities and cities within the Holy Roman Empire. Charles V sought to reinforce Catholic authority, while the League resisted Imperial control. The war reached its climax at the Battle of Mühlberg in 1547, where Imperial forces triumphed, capturing key leaders of the League. However, despite this military victory, Lutheranism had already spread so extensively across Europe that it could no longer be contained.
Excavation at an Imperial Military Camp
Archaeological excavations east of Lauingen, Germany, have revealed five burials in an area that matches the location of an Imperial encampment depicted in Heerlager Karls V. bei Lauingen, a 1551 painting by Matthias Gerung.
Findings and Historical Significance
Image Credit : BLfD
According to the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation, the burials contained the remains of five men, along with a boot fastener and four small silver coins dating to the 16th century. These discoveries provide a tangible link to the soldiers who fought in the Schmalkaldic War, offering a deeper understanding of the period’s military history and its lasting impact on European religious and political landscapes.
