Ferdinand of Brunswick was a prominent military leader during the Thirty Years' War, which lasted from 1618 to 1648. Born in 1604, he was a member of the House of Brunswick and served as a general for the Protestant Union. His strategic skills and leadership were crucial in several battles against the Catholic League. Ferdinand is best known for his role in the Battle of Breitenfeld in 1631, where he fought alongside Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. Despite his initial successes, he faced challenges and was ultimately defeated at the Battle of Nördlingen in 1634, which significantly impacted the Protestant cause in the war.