Albert II vs Wamba

Upon the death of his father-in-law Sigismund, Albert II inherited the crowns of Bohemia and Hungary. He was crowned King of Hungary in 1438 and King of Bohemia in 1438, though his rule in Bohemia was contested by the Hussites. This expanded Habsburg influence in Central Europe.

Following the death of Sigismund, Albert II was elected King of the Romans, becoming the first Habsburg to hold the title. His election marked the beginning of the Habsburgs' near-continuous hold on the imperial throne until 1806. Albert's reign was brief, lasting only two years.

Albert II led a military campaign against the Ottoman Empire in Serbia, aiming to halt their advance into the Balkans. The campaign was cut short by an outbreak of dysentery in the Christian army. Albert himself fell ill and died on the return journey, leaving his infant son Ladislaus the Posthumous as his heir.

Wamba was elected king of the Visigoths after the death of Recceswinth. He was reportedly reluctant to accept the crown, but was persuaded by the nobility and clergy. His reign was marked by military campaigns and efforts to maintain royal authority.

Wamba faced a major rebellion led by Paulus, a Visigothic noble who proclaimed himself king in Septimania (southern Gaul). Wamba led a military campaign, defeated Paulus, and captured him. Paulus was publicly humiliated and executed, demonstrating Wamba's resolve to maintain unity.

Wamba conducted military campaigns against the Basques in the Pyrenees, who had been raiding Visigothic territory. He subdued the region and fortified key positions, securing the northern borders of the Visigothic Kingdom. These campaigns demonstrated his military capability.

Wamba was deposed in a palace coup led by Erwig, a Visigothic noble. According to accounts, Wamba was drugged and tonsured, making him ineligible to rule under Visigothic law. He was forced to retire to a monastery, where he died. This event highlighted the instability of Visigothic succession.