Assassination of Count Gerhard III

Date: April 1, 1340 • Location: Rome, Italy

A band of warriors led by Niels Ebbesen killed Count Gerhard III, ending Holstein rule in Denmark.

Niels Ebbesen was a Danish squire and national hero, known for assassinating Gerhard III, Count of Holstein-Rendsburg in 1340. From 1332 to 1340, Count Gerhard was the lord of both Jutland and Funen. His death meant the end of Holstein rule in Denmark.