GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Test 8 — Flashcards

Questions below refer to this passage.

The Siege of Godesberg kicked off the Cologne War in 1583. Godesberg was an important fortress, dating from the early 13th century. The Bavarians began the siege in hopes of controlling Godesberg, and thus the roads leading to and from Bonn, Cologne’s capital city, as well as the Rhine valley. It seemed to be an impossible task, as the fortress was believed to be impenetrable.<br>The Bavarians shot cannonball after cannonball into the fortress to no effect. Finally, they were able to tunnel through the basalt core of the mountain on which Godesberg sat, and blew up part of the fortress. Casualties were heavy on the defenders’ side, but the resulting rubble blocked a clear path for the Bavarians’ further assault. The siege wore on for nearly a month, until the attackers were able to enter the fortress through the latrine system. The commander in Godesberg negotiated a safe passage for himself, his wife, and his lieutenant, leaving the other defenders to their fate. Most were killed. Bonn fell to the Bavarians soon after.