Which empire was involved in the conflicts during the Thirty Years' War?

The Habsburg Empire was a significant player in the Thirty Years' War, which stretched from 1618 to 1648 and primarily took place in Central Europe. The conflict initially started as a struggle between Catholic and Protestant states within the Holy Roman Empire, which was closely associated with Habsburg rule. The Habsburgs, being staunch defenders of Catholicism, sought to maintain their influence over the empire and counteract the Protestant Reformation's spread.

During the war, various phases of conflict involved numerous European powers that were aligned either with or against the Habsburgs. The war resulted in vast devastation across the German territories, significant territorial changes, and laid the groundwork for political changes in Europe. The Peace of Westphalia, which ended the war in 1648, is often considered a foundational moment for modern European state sovereignty and diplomacy.

While the Ottoman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Roman Empire all played roles in various historical contexts, they were not directly involved in the conflicts that defined the Thirty Years' War as comprehensively as the Habsburg Empire. The focus on the Habsburgs underscores their pivotal role in shaping the political and religious landscape of 17th-century Europe during this period of