Battle of Mingolsheim facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Mingolsheim
Part of the Palatinate phase of the Thirty Years' War
Battlefield in Mingolsheim / Bad Schönborn.
Date 27 April 1622 Location Mingolsheim, 22 km (14 mi) south of Heidelberg Result Palatine victory
Belligerents
Palatinate	Holy Roman Empire Catholic League
Commanders and leaders
Ernst von Mansfeld	Count of Tilly
Strength
18,000	15,000
Casualties and losses
400 killed	2,000

The Battle of Mingolsheim was a fight that happened on April 27, 1622. It took place near the German village of Wiesloch. This area is about 22 kilometers (14 miles) south of Heidelberg.

The battle was part of the Thirty Years' War. It was fought between a Protestant army and a Roman Catholic army. The Protestant side was led by General Ernst von Mansfeld and the Margrave of Baden-Durlach. The Roman Catholic army was led by Count Tilly.

What Was the Battle of Mingolsheim?

The Battle of Mingolsheim was an important event in the Thirty Years' War. This war was a big conflict in Europe during the 1600s. It involved many different countries and groups.

This specific battle was part of the "Palatinate phase" of the war. It showed the ongoing struggle between different religious and political groups. The battle ended with a victory for the Protestant forces.

Who Fought in This Battle?

On one side were the Protestant forces. These included soldiers from the Electoral Palatinate. Their main leaders were General Ernst von Mansfeld and the Margrave of Baden-Durlach. They had about 18,000 soldiers.

On the other side was the Roman Catholic army. This army was part of the Holy Roman Empire and the Catholic League. Their commander was Count Tilly. His army had about 15,000 soldiers.

How the Battle Unfolded

Memorial plate of the Battle of Mingolsheim

The Armies Join Up

In the spring of 1621, an army led by Georg Friedrich, Margrave of Baden-Durlach, crossed the Rhine River. They came from a region called Alsace. Their goal was to meet up with Ernst von Mansfeld's army.

Together, these combined armies wanted to stop something important. They aimed to prevent Count Tilly's army from joining forces with another large army. This other army had 20,000 soldiers. It was led by Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba.

Tilly's Attack and Retreat

Count Tilly's army found the Protestant army's rear guard. This is the part of an army that marches at the very back. Tilly attacked this part of the army first.

His attack was successful at the start. However, when he met the main part of the Protestant army, he was pushed back. Tilly then decided to retreat. He moved around the Protestant army.

What Happened Next?

Later that month, Count Tilly successfully joined up with de Córdoba's army. After the Battle of Mingolsheim, Mansfeld's army was in a difficult position. They needed help.

They had to wait for more soldiers to arrive. These new soldiers were led by Christian of Brunswick. They were coming from the north. The two armies would fight again later that month. This next battle was called the Battle of Wimpfen.