Josias von Rantzau

Josias Rantzau (Bothkamp, near Kiel, 18 October 1609 – Paris, 14 September 1650) was a Danish military leader and Marshal of France. Josias was the grandson of Paul, the youngest son of Johann Rantzau. He married his Cousin Hedwig Margarethe Elisabeth vor Rantzau, but had no children. As a young man, he served Prince Maurice of Orange and King Christian IV of Denmark. Later he fought for Sweden, then the Holy Empire, again for Sweden and finally since 1635 for France, where he was noticed at Court for his blond beauty.

Josias von Rantzau

Josias Rantzau (Bothkamp, near Kiel, 18 October 1609 – Paris, 14 September 1650) was a Danish military leader and Marshal of France. Josias was the grandson of Paul, the youngest son of Johann Rantzau. He married his Cousin Hedwig Margarethe Elisabeth vor Rantzau, but had no children. As a young man, he served Prince Maurice of Orange and King Christian IV of Denmark. Later he fought for Sweden, then the Holy Empire, again for Sweden and finally since 1635 for France, where he was noticed at Court for his blond beauty.