Kunz von Kaufungen

Kunz von Kaufungen (also known as Conrad von Kaufungen, or Kunz von Kauffungen; c. 1410 - July 14, 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.

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.

The Saxon Fratricidal War first broke out between Frederick II, Elector of Saxony and Duke William III in 1446 when they were unable to resolve their dispute in the Division of Altenburg. 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. Kunz won a victory at Gera while commanding Frederick's forces and occupied the small town, however William's forces and Bohemian allies caused a large amount of damage to the area around Kaufungen in return. Kunz had much of his property destroyed and was captured by Bohemian forces. Eventually he paid the sum of 4,000 golden gulden for his freedom, which was a very large sum for the time. No side could gain a clear advantage throughout the war and the fighting turned out to be an extended period of "ruinous confusion" for the region. The war lasted five years and ended on January 27, 1451 when a peace was reached at Naumburg.

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