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Thomas Müntzer

Type Figure Region Holy Roman Empire Time c. 1489–1525 Also known as Müntzer

Thomas Müntzer (c. 1489–1525) was a radical German reformer and spiritual leader of the Peasants' War who criticized Luther's moderate line, incited …

Timeline

  1. 1506–1520Leipzig · SaxonyMüntzer studied theology in Leipzig and elsewhere, influenced by mysticism and eschatology, and served as pastor in various places in the Harz mountains, gradually forming a radical theology of the Holy Spirit and a stance of social criticism.
  2. 1521–1522Prague · Kingdom of BohemiaMüntzer briefly lived in exile in Prague, encountering the Hussite tradition and more radical reform communities, publicly criticizing Luther's over-reliance on secular princes and advocating direct transformation of church and society through the Holy Spirit's revelation.
  3. 1523–1525Mühlhausen · ThuringiaIn Mühlhausen, Müntzer established the 'Eternal Covenant' communal municipal reform, abolishing some noble privileges and organizing armed self-defense, becoming the core agitator and spiritual leader of the Thuringian peasant uprising.
  4. 1525Frankenhausen · ThuringiaIn May 1525 Müntzer led peasant forces against the combined Hessian and Saxon army at Frankenhausen; after a crushing defeat he was captured, interrogated and beheaded, and the German Peasants' War collapsed.

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