The Merry Wives Of Weinsberg

Copper engraving by Zacharias Dolendo, 16th c.

During the High Middle-Ages, in 1140 CE to be more precise, wars and battles abounded in Europe. But today I'm bringing you to Germany and its first king of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, Conrad III. And, zooming in a little closer, to his defeat of the Duke of Welf and the king's subsequent siege of Weinsberg.

This siege wasn't anything particular, as sieges go, except for the way its surrender was negotiated. For it was done so by the wives. The king granted them the right to leave with whatever they could carry on their shoulders.

So each woman hoisted her own husband onto her back, and proceeded to carry him out. The king laughed at the sight, and allowed the wives to leave--along with their respective burdens--unharmed. For "[a] king should always stand by his word."

The Carry Me costume
'cause it's a thing now...
(at a carnival)

Sources:
The Women of Weinsberg and Other Legends of Aarne-Thompson-Uther
Wikipedia - Conrad III
Wikipedia - Weinsberg