Matthias Gallasso Military leader, field marshal Date of Birth: 16.09.1548 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Military Service
2. Imperial Service and Rise to Prominence
3. Wallenstein's Downfall and Gallas's Ascendancy
4. Command of Imperial Forces and Victories
5. Later Victories and Dismissal

Early Life and Military Service

Matthias Gallas, a renowned military commander and field marshal, was born in Italy. He began his service in the Spanish army in Flanders and later in Italy during 1616-1617.

Imperial Service and Rise to Prominence

At the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War, Gallas joined the imperial army and distinguished himself under the command of Tilly. He was promoted to colonel and given command of an infantry regiment, contributing to victory at Steinfurt. Promoted to general-major, Gallas captured Mantua in 1632 and was rewarded with the rank of field marshal for his valor at the Battle of Nuremberg.

Wallenstein's Downfall and Gallas's Ascendancy

At the Battle of Lützen, Gallas commanded the right wing of Wallenstein's army alongside Kronenberg. After the battle, he penetrated Silesia, capturing several towns. When Wallenstein's ambitious plans became known, Gallas, Piccolomini, and Aldringer plotted against him, leading to his downfall.

Command of Imperial Forces and Victories

Appointed commander-in-chief of the imperial troops, Gallas forced the surrender of Regensburg and defeated Bernhard, Duke of Saxe-Weimar, at Nördlingen in 1634. In 1637, he successfully defended against Swedish forces under Wrangel and Banér in Pomerania. However, in 1638, he was forced to withdraw to Bohemia and relinquish command.

Later Victories and Dismissal

Later reappointed as commander-in-chief, Gallas fought effectively in Silesia and Holstein against General Torstensson's troops, capturing Kiel. Nevertheless, he was dismissed from command for a second time.