Albertine branch

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The Albertine branch is a German princely line of the House of Wettin. It is named after its founder, Albert III, Duke of Saxony. From 1485 to 1918, the Albertines ruled parts of Saxony as dukes, electors, and later as kings.

History of the Albertine branch

Ernest and Albert, sons of Frederick II, Elector of Saxony, initially ruled their inherited lands jointly, with Ernest, the elder brother, holding the electoral title. In 1485 the brothers concluded the Treaty of Leipzig, dividing their territories. Albert and his descendants received the region centered on Dresden, ruling it thereafter as the dukes of Saxony.

During the early Reformation, the Albertine line was divided in its stance. Frederick III, Elector of Saxony, an Ernestine cousin, supported the movement, while George, Duke of Saxony attempted to prevent its spread in his domain. The Reformation was only introduced in the Albertine lands under George's brother and successor, Henry IV, Duke of Saxony.

Acquisition of the dignity

Although Maurice, Elector of Saxony was also a Protestant, in 1546 he sided with Emperor Charles V against the Protestant princes of the Schmalkaldic League under the leadership of his cousin John Frederick I. After the defeat of the Protestants in the Schmalkaldic War, in 1547 he received the electoral dignity and large parts of the Ernestine lands as a reward for his services. Since then, the Albertine branch have been the leading line of the House of Wettin.

The common minting agreed between the Ernestines and Albertine branch in the main division of Leipzig in 1485 was finally abandoned. The new Albertine Elector Moritz only coins in his own name (Saxon coin separation).^[1]

Family tree of the Albertine branch

Literature

• Konrad Sturmhoefel: Illustrated history of Saxony and their authorities. Volume 2: Illustrated History of Albertine Saxony. Hübel & Denck, Leipzig 1909.

References

External links

• About the House of Wettin
• Family tree of the House of Wettin
• Laws of the House of Wettin from 1837