Thomas Müntzer

Overview

In 1523, Thomas Müntzer and his wife Ottilie arrive in Allstedt, a village in Thuringia, where he takes on the role of rector. Influenced by Luther's teachings, Müntzer sees the Bible as a source for both religious and societal change. However, when Luther distances himself from the rural populace after a fallout with Müntzer, it falls to Müntzer to voice their concerns. He travels to Southern Germany to rally farmers in revolt but soon returns to Thuringia. By 1525, he teams up with Heinrich Pfeiffer to lead the peasant uprising in Mühlhausen, but the collaboration between peasants and craftsmen falters. In Frankenhausen, Müntzer commands a peasant army against the ruling forces but suffers a catastrophic defeat. Eventually, he is captured and sentenced to death by beheading for his rebellion.