The Thirty Years War (1618-1648) was a total disaster for Europe, particularly Germany. Almost a third of the population lost their lives either directly through military action, disease, hunger or exposure. Martin Speckhart was born shortly after the beginning of the war and affected by it throughout his life. This is a reconstructed biography. Based on the genealogical and historical facts, this story illustrates what Martin Speckhart experienced during his lifetime in the 17th century in southwest Germany. It is also a depiction of the Thirty Years War from the perspective of a common person. At Martin's birth, the war was already raging and at the age of thirty, when he finally returned home from war, he witnessed the tremendous damage done and participated in the rebuilding of his homeland.