The combat occurred during the Mainz Feud (Mainzer Stiftsfehde), part of the larger Bavarian War (1459–63).

On 4 July 1460, Frederick I, Elector Palatine defeated Dieter von Isenburg in the Battle of Pfeddersheim.

In his desire to reclaim his former position, Dieter sought Frederick's assistance and handed over substantial territories to the Palatinate as payment.

At the same time, the pope's ally Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor declared war on the two.

[1] In June 1462, the army of the anti-Frederick alliance invaded the Electoral Palatinate with a force between 6,000 and 8,000 soldiers; they pillaged and burned property extensively.

[1] On 30 June 1462,[2] Frederick sallied out of Heidelberg and caught a significant part of the allied host near Seckenheim, 12 miles (19 km) away from their fortified camp.

Among the captured were three enemy leaders, Charles of Baden-Baden, Ulrich of Württemberg, and Bishop George of Metz.