The Brothers' Quarrel (German: Bruderzwist) was a conflict between Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor and his brother, Matthias in the early 17th century.[1][2] Their other brothers—Maximilian III and Albert VII—and their cousins—especially Ferdinand II and Leopold V—were also deeply involved in their dispute.[3] The family feud weakened the Habsburgs' position and enabled the Estates of their realms to win widespread political and religious concessions.[1] The 19th-century Austrian writer, Franz Grillparzer, dedicated a play to the events.[1]
