Rudolf von Erlach (1299–1360)

Rudolf von Erlach (born around 1299 in Bern, died in 1360 in Reichenbach Castle) was a knight and commander of the Swiss Confederation forces at the Battle of Laupen.

The von Erlach family had been Bernese citizens since the late 13th century.

The Confederation victory against Freiburg army and feudal landholders from the County of Burgundy and the Habsburgs.

Bern was drawn into closer association with the Swiss Confederation, becoming one of the Eight Cantons in 1353.

[1] They had argued with each other on the subject of a dowry, when Jost saw the sword from the Battle of Laupen hanging against wall.

Rudolf von Erlach as field commander of Berne kneeling in prayer before the battle of Laupen 1339 (illustration from Spiezer Chronik , c. 1485). Rudolf is shown with his family coat or arms and wearing a pointed hat with his heraldic colours.