The Anabaptist riot of Amsterdam or Wederdopersoproer generally refers to an event on 10 May 1535 in which 40 Anabaptists occupied the city hall. The city guardsmen stormed the city hall and in the battle that ensued, the mayor Peter Colijn, 20 militiamen and 28 Anabaptists were killed. The surviving Anabaptists were executed in a particularly gruesome manner: their hearts were cut out of their chests while still alive, their bodies were drawn and quartered, and their heads were stuck on pikes and posted at the city gates. The event was commemorated in a painting by Barend Dircksz.[1][2][3]

Anabaptist Riot of 1535

One of the many prints after a lost painting by Barend Dircksz, showing events from 10 May 1535 in Amsterdam. In the lower right the mayor Peter Colijn is being killed.
DateMay 10, 1535
Location
Result Riot suppressed
Belligerents
Amsterdam Anabaptists
Commanders and leaders
Peter Colijn  Unknown
Strength
Unknown 40
Casualties and losses
21 killed 28 killed
Remaining executed

References

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