Hall of Fame or Hall of Shame

 

At first glance it seems a bit strange.  In one of Munich’s most prominent squares, Odeonsplatz, there are statues of war leaders who oversaw two of the more significant losses in Bavaria’s military history.  Pictured is Karl Philipp von Wrede, who was defeated by Napoleon in 1814, and on the opposite arch is Johann Tserclaes, who was defeated by King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden.  But upon further review, you find that both were quite decorated, and had successful careers leading the Bavarian army.  Tserclaes, known as the “Monk in Armor,” commanded the Imperial and Holy Roman Empire forces and had a string of victories over the Bohemians, Germans and later the Danish.  Where as Wrede distinguished himself in opposing the Austrian invasions of 1805 and 1809.