Frundsberg, Georg von

Frundsberg, Georg von gāˈôrkh fən fro͝ontsˈbĕrkh [key], 1473–1528, German commander in the service of Holy Roman emperors Maximilian I and Charles V. He was the principal organizer and commander of the imperial Landsknechte, a mercenary infantry. In the Italian Wars, Frundsberg contributed to the victories of La Bicocca (1522) and Pavia (1525) over the French. He then helped to end the Peasants' War in Germany, but in 1526 returned to Italy to aid Charles de Bourbon against the anti-imperial League of Cognac. While trying to pacify a mutiny caused by rumors of a truce (the troops had not been paid), Frundsberg suffered a stroke and died. The troops continued their march on Rome under Charles de Bourbon and sacked the city.

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