The thirty years war (1618-1648) in central Europe was triggered when several ambassador-nobles were pushed out of a 50 feet castle tower window, falling into a moat filled with manure -they survived.

The war and subsequent disease epidemics depopulated parts of Germany by 30%. Belief in witchcraft revived, and some instances of cannibalism were recorded (the story of 'Hansel and Gretel' is really an account of such desperation). The war also instilled in the German people a slavish obedience to authority... this helped the populace recover, but this worship of 'leaders' and the 'law' is thought to be a cause of World War One and Two. Even today, many Germans will not cross a street, even if there are no cars nearby, unless the traffic light gives them the go ahead .