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Christopher | |
|---|---|
| Count of Oldenburg | |
| Born | c. 1504 |
| Died | 4 August 1566 (aged 61–62) |
| Noble family | House of Oldenburg |
| Father | John V, Count of Oldenburg |
| Mother | Anna of Anhalt-Zerbst |
Christopher, Count of Oldenburg (German:Christoph, Graf von Oldenburg) (c. 1504 – 4 August 1566) was a German count and regent in eastern Denmark between 1534–36 during theCount's Feud (Danish:Grevens Fejde) which was named after him.[1][2]
Christopher was the third son of Count Johan XIV ofOldenburg and Princess Anna ofAnhalt-Zerbst. He was the grandson ofGerhard of Oldenburg who was a brother of KingChristian I of Denmark. As a young man he was educated a clergyman but probably because of economic problems he later on chose a military career participating in wars in Germany. He stayed inCologne from 1517 to 1524 with small interruptions, where he closely examined the Reformation leaning of CountHermann of Wied,Archbishop-Elector of Cologne. He was described an "intellectual condottiere" possessing a classic Greek knowledge but apparently no great military talent.[3][4][5]
As asecond cousin of bothChristian II andChristian III he took interest inScandinavian politics. When the civil war broke out in Denmark 1534 after the death ofFrederick I Christopher, who had converted toProtestantism, was hired byLübeck as the military leader of the alliance of Danish commoners, Lübeck and Protestants against Christian III and the Danish nobility. The formal purpose of this alliance was the restoration of Christian II. Christopher's own zeal seems to have been on behalf of the Danish crown.[6]
After a promising start in which he became the master ofZealand andScania with the title of a regent and conqueredFunen, he had severe setbacks and quarrelled with his allies. Furthermore, Lübeck involvedAlbrecht VII of Mecklenburg-Güstrow in the alliance offering him the Danish crown which created jealousy between the two war lords. Christian III's conquest of bothJutland andFunen and the defection of Scania meant the breakdown of Christopher's position and he was besieged inCopenhagen 1535–36 together with his rival Albrecht until their capitulation.[6]
After his defeat he returned to Oldenburg but several times he intervened into wars and struggles in Northern Germany. Among other things, he planned an invasion inSweden and supported the military alliance of Lutheran princes known as theSchmalkaldic League. During his last years he lived in a monastery.[7][6]
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Christopher, Count of Oldenburg Born: 1504 Died: 4 August 1566 | ||
| Preceded by | Count of Oldenburg 1526-1566 with his brothersGeorge (1526-1529) John VI (1526-1529) andAnthony I (1526-1573) | Succeeded by |
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