Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In 1618, a celestial omen sparked the 30 Years War, a conflict so devastating it wiped out one-third of Germany's population. This documentary explores the transition from a war of religion to a struggle for global supremacy. Through the rare diary of a mercenary, the secret coded letters of painter-spy Peter Paul Rubens, and the shadow operations of the "Grey Eminence," we reveal how the first modern war shattered the old world and gave birth to the Europe we recognize today.
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In 1618, a celestial omen sparked the 30 Years War, a conflict so devastating it wiped out one-third of Germany's population. This documentary explores the transition from a war of religion to a struggle for global supremacy. Through the rare diary of a mercenary, the secret coded letters of painter-spy Peter Paul Rubens, and the shadow operations of the "Grey Eminence," we reveal how the first modern war shattered the old world and gave birth to the Europe we recognize today.
You can now become a History Hit member right here on YouTube! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.
Get an exclusive release every week by signing up here: bit.ly/4pyExyn
This channel is part of the History Hit Network. Any queries, please contact owned-enquiries@littledotstudios.com
