Who Is Erich Priebke? Age, Biography and Wiki
Erich Priebke was born on July 29, 1913, in Hennigsdorf, Germany. He became infamous as a German SS police commander during World War II, particularly for his role in the execution of Italian civilians in reprisal for partisan attacks. Priebke's actions during the war led to significant controversy and legal proceedings that lasted well into the 21st century. He passed away on October 11, 2013, at the age of 100 in Argentina. His life story is one that reflects the complexities and moral ambiguities surrounding historical events and individual actions.
| Occupation | MMA |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1913 |
| Age | 100 Years |
| Birth Place | Hennigsdorf, German Empire |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Italy |
| Date of death | 11 October, 2013 |
| Died Place | Rome, Italy |
Popularity
Erich Priebke's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements of Erich Priebke's height and weight are not prominently documented, historical photographs suggest he had an average build for a man of his era. His appearance, characterized by distinct features, contributed to his notoriety post-war.
On 24 March, led by SS officers Priebke and Karl Hass, the victims were killed inside the Ardeatine caves in groups of five. They were led into the caves with their hands tied behind their backs and then shot in the neck. Many were forced to kneel down over the bodies of those who had already been killed.
During the killings, it was found that a mistake had been made and that five additional people who were not on the "ten to one" list had been brought up to the caves.
Priebke was responsible for the list and his complicity in those 5 additional killings ruled out any possible justification for his behaviour on the basis of "obedience to official orders. As a result, Priebke's trial strongly focused on these extra killings.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Erich Priebke's personal relationships remain largely undocumented in terms of detailed public accounts. Little is known about his romantic life or potential partnerships throughout his lifetime. It is understood that he had a family, but much of this information is overshadowed by his historical actions, which caused significant rifts and controversies within his familial and social circles.
Little is known of his early life but Priebke told interviewers that his parents died when he was young and that he was reared mainly by an uncle before earning a living as a waiter in Berlin, at The Savoy Hotel, London, and on the Italian Riviera.
Net Worth and Salary
Determining the net worth of Erich Priebke is challenging due to the controversial nature of his life. While specific figures remain undisclosed, it is believed that he lived a modest life in Argentina after the war. His notoriety likely affected his financial opportunities and relationships, as many celebrities often face scrutiny regarding their wealth.
Career, Business and Investments
Erich Priebke's career was primarily linked to his role in the military during World War II. After the war, he lived in exile, initially in Germany and later relocating to Argentina, where he maintained a relatively low profile until his arrest and trial for war crimes in the 1990s. His investments are undocumented, reflecting a life spent more in the shadows of history than in the public eye.
A number of Italian conservative figures defended Priebke on the grounds that he was only acting to obey orders: Italian journalist Indro Montanelli, who had lost two friends in the massacre of the Fosse Ardeatine, nonetheless wrote a private letter to Priebke that was later published in Il Giornale on 2013 by Fausto Biloslavo, arguing that he was
only following orders; similar points of view were expressed by Vittorio Feltri, Giampiero Mughini, Vittorio Sgarbi, Guido Ceronetti, Anna Maria Ortese and Massimo Fini.
In 2003 Senator Antonio Serena (National Alliance) argued that Priebke should have been pardoned by President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, arguing that Priebke was suffering from "cruel and pointless behaviours" from a "Jewish lobby that spreads hate"; because of this position, Serena was expelled from National Alliance.
Social Network
Erich Priebke's social network predominantly consisted of other WWII veterans and individuals sympathetic to his views. After his retirement from military life, he became more reclusive. Any social engagement post-war was often marred by public backlash and moral condemnation for his wartime actions.
In post–World War II trials, Priebke was set to be tried for his role in the massacre, but he managed to escape from a British prison camp in Rimini, Italy, in 1946. He later claimed that this escape had been assisted by a ratline run by German-Austrian Bishop Alois Hudal. After he had escaped, he lived with his family in Sterzing/Vipiteno.
During this time he received on 13 September 1948 a second baptism (and adopted a new identity as Otto Pape) by a local priest. After his time in South Tyrol, he went to Argentina. Though alleged to have been responsible for war crimes, Priebke lived in Argentina in the town Bariloche as a free man for 50 years.
While there, he first worked as a dishwasher and waiter before opened a delicatessen. He also became the leader of the German-Argentine Cultural Association and travelled back and forth to Europe.
Education
Details about Priebke's education are sparse; however, being born into an era of nationalist fervor, he likely received education aligned with the ideological narrative of the time. Historians focus more on his actions during the war rather than his educational background, which remains largely irrelevant to his historic legacy.
Donaldson and his team waited for Priebke outside the school in which he was working and interviewed him in his car. After initial hesitation, Priebke admitted who he was and spoke openly about his role in the massacre.
He justified his actions by saying that he only followed orders from the Gestapo chief of Rome, Obersturmbannführer Herbert Kappler, and that, in his view, the victims were terrorists. He denied to Donaldson that any children were killed, but three children as young as 14 were found among the dead (as were a 75-year-old man and a priest).
He admitted that it was he who compiled the lists of those who were going to be executed. When testifying after the war, Kappler explained that Priebke had been ordered to make sure that all the victims were brought to the caves and executed, and to check the list of people who were to be killed.
Conclusion
The life of Erich Priebke stands as a significant yet controversial chapter in history. While this article attempts to frame his biography in a modern context, it is important to approach his legacy thoughtfully, given his role in one of the darkest eras of the 20th century. As we review and discuss figures like Priebke in 2025, we continue to confront enduring questions about morality, accountability, and the intersections of personal and historical narratives.
