On This Day

Battle of Jankau in Bohemia: Sweden defeats Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III

The Battle of Jankau, took place on 6 March 1645 during the later stages of the Thirty Years' War, near Jankov in Bohemia (today the Czech Republic).

The Battle of Jankau, took place on 6 March 1645 during the later stages of the Thirty Years' War, near Jankov in Bohemia (today the Czech Republic). It featured Swedish and Imperial armies, each containing around 16,000 men.

The more mobile and better led Swedes under Lennart Torstensson effectively destroyed their opponents, commanded by Melchior von Hatzfeldt. However, the devastation caused by decades of conflict meant armies now spent much of their time obtaining supplies, and the Swedes were unable to take advantage of their victory.

Imperial forces regained control of Bohemia in 1646, but inconclusive campaigns in the Rhineland and Saxony made it clear neither side had the strength to impose a military solution.

Historical Significance

The Battle of Jankau, took place on 6 March 1645 during the later stages of the Thirty Years' War, near Jankov in Bohemia (today the Czech Republic).

Events Before

  1. Two hundred members of the Peking imperial family and court commit suicide out of loyalty to the last Ming Emperor, Chon

    Two hundred members of the Peking imperial family and court commit suicide out of loyalty to the last Ming Emperor, Chongzhen

  2. "Areopagitica", a pamphlet by John Milton decrying censorship, is published

    John Milton was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant. His 1667 epic poem Paradise Lost was written in blank verse and included 12 books, written in a time of immense religious flux and...

  3. Perplexed pilgrims in Boston report America's first UFO sighting

    Perplexed pilgrims in Boston report America's first UFO sighting

  4. Parliamentary army wins battle of Nantwich, Cheshire, English Civil War

    Nantwich is a market town and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire East in Cheshire, England.

  5. Connecticut passes the first US livestock branding law

    Connecticut passes the first US livestock branding law

Events After

  1. Princess Louise Henriette (19) of Nassau marries Frederick Henry Elector of Brandenburg

    Princess Louise Henriette (19) of Nassau marries Frederick Henry Elector of Brandenburg

  2. Battle of Great Torrington, Devon - the last major battle of the first English Civil War

    The First English Civil War took place in England and Wales from 1642 to 1646, and forms part of the 1639 to 1653 Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

  3. Roger Scott is tried in Massachusetts for sleeping in church

    Roger Scott is tried in Massachusetts for sleeping in church

  4. Joseph Jenkes receives the 1st patent in North America for making scythes from the General Court of Massachusetts

    Joseph Jenkes receives the 1st patent in North America for making scythes from the General Court of Massachusetts

  5. Spain & Netherlands sign temporary cease fire

    Spain & Netherlands sign temporary cease fire

More from the 1640s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on March 5, 1645?
The Battle of Jankau, took place on 6 March 1645 during the later stages of the Thirty Years' War, near Jankov in Bohemia (today the Czech Republic). It featured Swedish and Imperial armies, each containing around 16,000 men. The more mobile and better led Swedes under Lennart Torstensson effectively destroyed their opponents, commanded by Melchior von Hatzfeldt.
Why is Battle of Jankau in Bohemia: Sweden defeats Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III significant?
The Battle of Jankau, took place on 6 March 1645 during the later stages of the Thirty Years' War, near Jankov in Bohemia (today the Czech Republic).

Explore More