Johann as a military commander
Johann von Egloffstein burst onto the public scene with a bang when, acting on behalf of the ailing bishop, he led the troops in the famous Winter Battle of Bergtheim, which took place on 11 January 1400. Johann’s victory over the civic forces signalled the definitive end to the city’s aspirations for autonomy and the end of the dreams of Würzburg becoming an imperial city, which had only just seemed to be coming to fruition under King Wenceslas.
The citizens of Würzburg repeatedly attempted to rid themselves of their ecclesiastical overlord, and in this battle the citizens’ desire for freedom clashed with the bishop’s claim to power. However, Bishop Gerhard von Schwarzburg was only able to enjoy his success for a short time, as he died on 9 November 1400.
Part 2: Johann as Prince-Bishop of Würzburg and his links to the Empire and the Curia
