A Bohemian military leader and statesman who fought on the side of the Holy Roman Empire during the Thirty Years' War. In 1625, King of Denmark invaded Germany. The Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand appointed Wallenstein to conquer the north. On 25 April 1626, the Battle of Dessau Bridge broke out. Wallenstein's army arrived at the Dessau Bridge first, thus allowing them to form their "death trap," deploying the heavy artillery. The battle began and the troops of Aldringen held off Mansfeld and his troops as they attempted to push across the bridge and river. The Imperial army was soon in heavy force by the arrival of Wallenstein and troops. As soon as nearly half of Mansfeld's army was destroyed, the Danes retreated. His successful martial career made him one of the richest and most influential men in the Holy Roman Empire by his time.