Wallenstein's Company

Wallenstein's Company was a private military organization led by Albrecht von Wallenstein during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648). Comprising soldiers, officers, and administrators, it functioned as a de facto army independent of the official Habsburg forces, providing military support for the Holy Roman Emperor. The company was notable for its large, professional army, capable of rapid deployment and versatile strategies. Wallenstein used his own resources to build and command this force, which played a significant role in the conflict’s battles, shaping the war’s course until political tensions and his eventual fall from favor led to its disbandment.