The battle freed Strasbourg's citizens from episcopal rule and secured the city's status as a free imperial city in 1262.
Key Facts
- Date
- 8 March 1262
- Location
- Fields of Hausbergen, northwest of Strasbourg
- Opposing force
- Bishop Walter of Geroldseck
- Victor
- Townsmen (burghers) of Strasbourg
- Status granted
- Free imperial city, by King Philip of Swabia
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The citizens of Strasbourg sought liberation from the political and economic authority of the Bishop of Strasbourg, Walter of Geroldseck, who held episcopal control over the city's governance and commerce. Tensions between the urban bourgeoisie and ecclesiastical power came to a head, prompting the townsmen to take military action against the bishop's forces.
On 8 March 1262, the townsmen of Strasbourg engaged the forces of Bishop Walter of Geroldseck on the fields of Hausbergen, a few miles northwest of the city. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the burghers, breaking the military power of the bishop and ending his authority over the city.
Following the victory, the burghers of Strasbourg gained control over the city's politics and commerce. King Philip of Swabia granted Strasbourg the status of a free imperial city, formally releasing its citizens from episcopal authority and establishing the bourgeoisie as the dominant power in civic life.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Walter of Geroldseck.