In addition to the ultra-Protestantism of his theological views, Muenzer had as his object the establishment of a communistic Christian Commonwealth.

He started a practical exemplification of this among his own followers in the town itself.
Up to the beginning of May the insurrection had carried everything before it.

Truchsess and his men of the Swabian League had proved themselves unable to cope with it.

Matters now changed.

Knights, men-at-arms, and free-lances were returning from the Italian campaign of Charles V after the battle of Pavia.