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Maria Dorothea Sophia of Oettingen

Oettingen in Bayern, 29 Dec 1639 – Nürtingen, 29 Jun 1698

9 facts2 sources

Facts and their sources

A life in time

  1. 29 Dec 1639

    Born in Oettingen in Bayern

  2. 29 Jun 1698

    Dies in Nürtingen, aged 58

Family

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Parents

Partner

During her lifetime

She lived through 7 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Oettingen in Bayern.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1630s · Maria is born in Oettingen in Bayern

In the news1618–1648

Destruction of the Thirty Years' War

The Thirty Years' War, lasting from 1618 to 1648, caused a demographic catastrophe where roughly one-third of urban residents and two-fifths of the rural population perished. Soldiers and camp followers frequently destroyed crops and seized food, leading to widespread famine and forcing villagers to abandon their land.

Getting around

Travel Speeds Were Generally Very Slow

Typical travelers, often delayed by weather, poor roads, or cargo, were generally happy to cover 100 kilometers in a week.

In the news1631

The Sack of Magdeburg

In May 1631, the strategic city of Magdeburg was plundered and burned by Catholic armies, with most of its 30,000 inhabitants dying or fleeing. This event became a major media moment spread through over 250 newsletters, fueling intense sectarian anger and propaganda.

Daily life

Dark and smoky rural homes

Rural homes, known as Hallenhäuser, lacked chimneys; the open fire caused dark, smoky, and stuffy living conditions. Families often lived under the same roof as their livestock, sharing the space with generations and servants.

What people wore

Men's fashion favored comfort and leather boots

During the Thirty Years' War, men's fashion shifted toward comfort, featuring high-waisted doublets and wide, knee-length breeches that fell in loose folds. Soldiers and educated men alike popularized large leather boots that reached above the knee, which were often worn turned down or slouching.

Music

Versatile Town Instruments

Town musicians often played versatile instruments like the cornett, a wooden instrument with a sweet, singing tone, which was used for indoor and outdoor performances.

At the table

Salted Herring as a Daily Staple

Salted herring was a vital, affordable protein source for ordinary people, with a single fish costing 2 alb. It served as a staple alongside bread and cheese to supplement grain-based diets.