Albrecht von Wallenstein was a prominent military leader and politician during the Thirty Years' War, a conflict that took place in Europe from 1618 to 1648. Born in 1583 in Bohemia, he rose to power as a commander in the Imperial Army of the Holy Roman Empire, known for his strategic brilliance and ability to raise funds and troops. Wallenstein played a crucial role in the early successes of the Imperial forces against the Protestant states. However, his growing power and ambition led to political tensions, resulting in his assassination in 1634, which marked a significant turning point in the war.