1648 is track no. 5 on the Album and brings the portion concerning the 30 years war to an end by detailing the last major action of the conflict; the Battle of Prague.

In 1648 the 30 years war was nearly at an end. Weary and raved by the conflict, representatives from the warring parties congregated in Westphalia, the northwest region of Germany, to negotiate an end to hostilities.

Meanwhile, the German-Swedish General Königsmarck was advancing with 3000 troops into Bohemia towards the city of Prague.

After his arrival his forces captured the district of Malá Strana, home to numerous palaces and importantly masses of treasure which the troops promptly looted. Among the treasures seized was the Codex Argenteus, also known as the Silver Bible. This artifact remains in Swedish hands to this day.

For some generals this may have been enough, but Königsmarck was tempted by a greater prize; the unconquered city of Prague. He ordered his men into battle against the city and its meager defenders.

Despite a lack of weapons or military experience resistance was intense. Jiří Plachý, a Jesuit professor, lead a force of 745 students known as the academy legion against the swedes; these defenders blocked Königsmarck’s advance along the Charles Bridge, denying them entry to the city.

Further resistance was put up by Journeymen and brewery hands who formed their own independent companies, while the city’s Jewish community formed fire brigades to combat fires and disarm mines.

As the siege carried on, 6000 men under the command of General Charles Gustav joined Königsmarck’s attack, who had vowed not to leave until “the officers have spilled their last drop of blood and turned the city into a graveyard.”

Swedish forces began a sustained bombardment of Prague’s eastern wall, which turned large sections into ruble. Swedish troops rushed through the breach on temporary wooden bridges. 100s of the city’s defenders were killed, but they managed to rally and turned back the Swedes.

The battle ended after General Charles Gustav received word from the peace talks in Westphalia; a peace agreement had been reached and all hostilities were to cease. The battle of Prague, and the 30 years war, was over.