 In August 1620, Don Ambrosio Spinola, as commander-in-chief of the Army of Flanders, invaded the Palatinate from the Spanish Netherlands and advanced over Frankfurt.The rapid relief introduced in this city by the Protestants dissuaded him from attack, and Spinola decided march to Oppenheim.In early September the towns of Bad Kreuznach and Alsheim were captured by the Spaniards.