The Wise Wives of Weinsberg
A quick true tale about cunning, loyal, and brave women
Towards the end of December in the year 1140, a siege was on its way to Weinsberg, a state of the Holy Roman Empire.
Conrad III had just been elected as emperor over the previous emperor’s heir apparent, Henry the Proud. To solidify his leadership, he went to war against the noble’s who opposed his claim, including the head of Weinsberg.
As Conrad’s powerful army surrounded the city’s defenses, all hope looked lost for its residents. But a bit of mercy was granted by Conrad after the surrender was negotiated.
While the terms of surrender did not prevent the assault, it allowed a brief period for women to leave with “whatever they could carry on their shoulders.”
What Conrad did not know was that Weinsberg’s women were wise and loyal. According to records, the women abandoned their possessions and carried the men and children over their shoulders away from the town.
When Emperor Conrad discovered their coy ploy, he burst into laughter and accepted their actions. He said, after all, that a leader must always stay true to their word.
The amused Emperor let the entire city go. Not only did the women protect their husbands and children, but their actions saved the town as well.
The city, which is now part of modern-day Germany, remembers this incident as “Treue Weiber von Weinsberg” (Loyal Wives of Weinsberg). Ruins of the castle that was the subject of Conrad’s siege still exists in Weinsberg. Locals call it the “Weibertreu” (Wife Loyalty), in honor of the fidelity shown from the incident long ago.
