Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - IX. Reign of Gustavus Adolphus, 1611–1632 - C. Gustavus Adolphus and the Thirty Years’ War
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The Thirty Years
9
War 157
lost a battle. He now laid siege to Magdeburg, the most
important city in northern Germany and the firm bul-
wark of Protestantism in the days of persecution. The
city had entered into an alliance with Gustavus Adol-
phus. From the few defenders of the city there now
came to him message after message imploring his aid.
Magdeburg was a free city of the empire. It was not
subject to any local prince, but recognized the imme-
diate suzerainty of the Emperor. The road to Magde-
burg led through Saxony, a Protestant country, whose
ruler, the Elector John George, was also a Protestant.
And yet he was indifferent to the closing in of the
Catholic forces around Magdeburg. He even refused
Gustavus Adolphus a passage through his territory to
relieve the city. Hitherto John George had succeeded
in saving his own skin by keeping on good terms with
the Emperor and betraying his persecuted fellow be-
lievers. He hoped to be able to continue pursuing the
same course. The remaining Protestant princes of any
power in Germany were about equally efficient. How
would it have fared with the Protestants if Gustavus
Adolphus had not come to the rescue?
For Magdeburg there was no help. Gustavus Adol-
phus could not force his passage through Saxony, for
the elector’s army was equal to his own in numbers.
Besides a fight between Protestants could not be
thought of. It would have destroyed all hope for the
Protestant cause. And so Magdeburg was stormed by
Tilly’s wild hordes. Then followed scenes of pillage,
murder, and ravishment too horrible to describe. A
fire broke out and reduced the wealthy city to a heap
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