BATTLE OF ROCROI

The Thirty Years’ War was one of the most devastating conflicts in European history, an apocalypse only comparable to the later Napoleonic and world wars. Some parts of what is now Germany lost two-thirds of its population and it is estimated that perhaps eight million people perished as a direct result of the war. At the heart of this struggle was the fight between France and Spain – the Battle of Rocroi was the climax of this ultimate duel of nations.

Spain had been involved in the war almost from its inception. It was the pre-eminent power on the continent and, in addition to its Iberian heartlands, held vast territories including northern Italy, the Franche-Comté area in what is now eastern France and the Spanish Netherlands in Belgium and Luxembourg. To get to these territories, supplies and soldiers marched along ‘The Spanish Road’, which snaked north from Italy until it reached the Spanish Netherlands.

The extensive logistics involved were aided by the fact that most of the road passed through territory held by the powerful Habsburg dynasty. In the 17th century, most of Europe was ruled by the Habsburgs, who were divided into two branches. In 1643, one branch was ruled by Ferdinand III, who was the Holy Roman Emperor and ruler of Hungary, Bohemia,