[4] In the late summer of 1632 the army of Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus met Albrecht von Wallenstein near Nürnberg.

The earlier successes of Gustavus Adolphus over General Tilly, particularly at Breitenfeld, followed by Tilly's death during the Battle of Rain, forced Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II to recall Albrecht von Wallenstein into military service from retirement.

The Imperial Army's ranks swelled as Wallenstein moved to stop the Swedes' advance at Nuremberg.

Gustavus Adolphus attacked the Imperial camp at the Alte Veste (or "Old Fortress")—a derelict castle situated atop a wooded hill.

Several weeks later, lack of supplies led Wallenstein to break camp and move north, allowing the Swedes out of Nuremberg.