Kunz von Kaufungen

Kunz von Kaufungen (also known as Conrad von Kaufungen, or Kunz von Kauffungen; – 14 July 1455) was a German knight and military commander. A veteran of the Hussite wars, he also fought for Frederick II, Elector of Saxony against Frederick's brother Duke William III during the Saxon Fratricidal War (1446–1451). Afterwards, Kunz was not repaid or recognized for his services and loss of property during the war, and eventually during the Prinzenraub (English: "The stealing of the princes") he kidnapped Frederick II's two sons. He was caught and later executed.

Background Kunz von Kaufungen was a knight who lived in the tower of Kaufungen located near modern-day Limbach-Oberfrohna. Kunz was known for defeating and holding for ransom Albert III, Elector of Brandenburg, one of the best fighters of the time. Kunz also fought in the Hussite wars. Frederick proved stronger, and William brought in forces from Bohemia, including Hussites. Frederick's forces were led by various commanders and captains, including Kunz von Kaufungen.

The Prinzenraub After the war, Kunz von Kaufungen expected to be repaid by Frederick II for his massive losses. Frederick II was also in financial difficulties, so did not repay the damages or the ransom Kunz had paid to the Bohemians, arguing that Kunz was just a hired soldier, thus he was not bound to make good his losses. Kunz continued to complain and insult Frederick until Frederick banished him from his land.

Kunz went to Bohemia and lived in the castle of Isenburg until, on 7 July 1455, Kunz kidnapped Frederick's two sons, Ernest and Albert, from the castle of Altenburg in what was called the Prinzenraub (English: "The stealing of the princes"). Since Kunz never got to a position where he could demand ransom payments, it was presented that he planned and executed this desperate measure as revenge against Frederick II. On 14 July 1455 Kunz von Kaufungen was beheaded by order of Frederick at the marketplace of Freiberg.