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Magdalene Sibylle of Holstein-Gottorp

Gottorf Castle, 14 Nov 1631 – Güstrow, 22 Sep 1719

8 facts3 sources

Facts and their sources

A life in time

  1. 14 Nov 1631

    Born in Gottorf Castle

  2. 1659–1667

    3 children are born

  3. 22 Sep 1719

    Dies in Güstrow, aged 87

Family

See the tree

Parents

Partner

Children · 3

During her lifetime

She lived through 9 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Gottorf Castle.

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

The 1630s · Magdalene is born in Gottorf Castle

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.

Getting around

Walking and Riding Were Common Travel Methods

Most people traveled on foot, taking an average of 30,000 to 40,000 steps per day, while wealthy individuals typically traveled on horseback.

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.

Daily life

Seasonal and variable schooling

Children's schooling was not mandatory and often seasonal; for example, in Isny, lessons could include math, music, and Latin, with some students having four different teachers throughout the day. In many areas, summer schooling was rare as children were required to work on farms.

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

Weekly Music in Villages

In rural villages, musicians and singers performed church music every Sunday, and they even held dance events in local taverns.

At the table

Eating Porridge with Hands

Grain porridge was the most important hot meal, often made of oats or millet and reheated until thick. Families typically ate it by taking pieces directly from a central bowl with their hands.