John of Leiden

John of Leiden (1509? - 1536) was a Dutch Anabaptist leader.

In 1534, following a revolt in Münster by Anabaptists, he set up a theocracy and led, as king, a communistic and polygamous state until expelled (1535) by the prince bishop. He and the other leaders were tortured and executed.

After publicly beheading one of his four wives after a vision from heaven, Anabaptist zealot John of Leyden Munster is tortured and then executed; his remains swing in a cage until the 20th century.