Johann von Aldringen facts for kids
Johann von Aldringen (born December 10, 1588 – died June 22, 1634) was an important soldier from Luxembourg. He was active before and during a major European conflict called the Thirty Years' War. He became a powerful count and a field marshal, known for his military skills and leadership.
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Early Life and Military Start
Johann von Aldringen was born in Luxembourg in 1588. When he was young, he traveled through France, Italy, and the Netherlands as a page for a nobleman. He later studied at the University of Paris.
In 1606, Aldringen began his military career serving Spain. He stayed with the Spanish army until 1618. After that, he joined the imperial army, which was the army of the Holy Roman Empire. He quickly showed his talent both in fighting and in planning.
Rising Through the Ranks
By 1622, Johann von Aldringen had become a colonel. Two years later, he was involved in important work on the Council of War and went on special missions for his leaders.
In 1626, he showed great bravery at the bridge of Dessau, fighting against an enemy commander named Ernst von Mansfeld. Because of his excellent service, he and his friend Matthias Gallas were both given noble titles on the same day. Later, during a military campaign in Italy in 1630, Aldringen and Gallas married the two daughters of Count d'Arco.
Key Battles and Wealth
Aldringen served as a major-general under Count Rambold Collalto during the Italian campaign. He was there when the city of Mantua was captured on July 18, 1630, during the War of Mantuan Succession. The riches taken from the Duke of Mantua's treasury made both Aldringen and Gallas very wealthy.
In 1631, Aldringen returned to Germany. After a battle called Breitenfeld, he became the artillery commander for General Tilly. He was given an even higher title, becoming a count of the Empire. Aldringen was also present at the battle of the Lech, where he was wounded.
Leadership and Final Battle
When General Tilly died from his wounds, Aldringen took over command of the army. After a difficult attack on the Alte Veste near Nuremberg, where he was second in command, he was promoted to field marshal. He was a favorite of the main commander, Duke Wallenstein.
Aldringen was then put in charge of a special army group. His job was to help Wallenstein and keep peace between him and Duke Maximilian I of Bavaria. This was a tough job that needed a lot of skill and diplomacy. Eventually, Aldringen sided with those who wanted to remove Wallenstein from power.
After Wallenstein's death, Aldringen led the imperial forces against the Swedes along the Danube River. He continued to fight until he was killed during the battle of Landshut on July 22, 1634. His large fortune and lands were passed down to his sister, and then to the Clary and Aldringen family.
See also
In Spanish: Johann von Aldringen para niños
