Key Facts
- Year
- 1140
- Location
- Weinsberg, Baden-Württemberg, Holy Roman Empire
- Conflict
- Welf–Hohenstaufen dynastic rivalry
- Chronicle source
- Chronica regia Coloniensis, compiled c. 1170s
- Castle ruins name
- Weibertreu ('wifely loyalty')
Strategic Narrative Overview
The Welfs mounted a fierce defence of the town of Weinsberg, frustrating the besieging forces of Conrad III. Exasperated by the prolonged resistance, Conrad resolved to destroy the town and imprison its defenders. Negotiations for surrender ultimately took place, with Conrad agreeing to allow the women of the city to depart freely carrying whatever they could bear on their shoulders. The siege crystallised the rival war cries of both dynasties, with the Hohenstaufen using 'Strike for Gibbelins' and the Welfs adopting new party cries for the first time.
01 / The Origins
When Holy Roman Emperor Lothair III died in 1137, his Welf heir Henry the Proud held the crown jewels and sought the imperial throne. The German princes instead elected Conrad III of the Hohenstaufen dynasty in Frankfurt on 2 February 1138. Conrad then stripped Henry of Saxony, granting it to Albert the Bear. This provoked the Saxons to rebel, and Henry's brother Count Welf of Altorf took up arms against Conrad, triggering open conflict between the two dynasties.
03 / The Outcome
Upon surrender, the women of Weinsberg famously carried their husbands out on their backs, satisfying the letter of Conrad's grant while saving the men from imprisonment. Conrad, persuaded not to violate his royal word, accepted the interpretation. The Hohenstaufen secured Weinsberg, consolidating their dominance over the Welfs. The episode was commemorated in the castle's eventual name, Weibertreu, and entered medieval legend as the story of the 'Loyal Wives of Weinsberg.'
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Conrad III, Duke Friedrich (unnamed in source, present at siege).
Side B
1 belligerent
Count Welf of Altorf.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.