Friedrich of Saxony (1473-1510)

Friedrich of Saxony (Torgau 26 October 1473 - Rochlitz 14 December 1510) was the 36th Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights. He was the third (and youngest surviving) son of Albert, Duke of Saxony and Zedena of Bohemia.

Related Topics:
Torgau - 26 October - 1473 - Rochlitz - 14 December - 1510 - Teutonic Knights - Albert, Duke of Saxony - Zedena of Bohemia

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He was part of the second generation of the junior branch (the Albertine Line) of the Wettin dynasty and must not be confused with his cousin of the same name (the protector of Martin Luther) from the senior branch (the Ernestine Line) who ruled Saxony.

Related Topics:
Albertine Line - Wettin - Cousin of the same name - Martin Luther - Ernestine Line - Saxony

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In 1498, aged 24, he was elected by the Teutonic Knights to the post of grand master in which served until his death at age 36.

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His older brother George had married Barbara, a sister of King John I Albert of Poland. The knights had been in a long power struggle with Poland over the Monastic State of the Teutonic Knights. They hoped that by selecting someone connected by marriage to the ruling Jagiellon dynasty of Poland, someone who was also a member of the Wettin dynasty ruling much of Germany, that they would strengthen their position.

Related Topics:
John I Albert - Monastic State of the Teutonic Knights - Jagiellon dynasty

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When the Polish King summoned Frederich, the new grand master, to do homage for the Order's holdings, Frederich referred the matter to the Imperial Reichstag set to meet in Worms in 1495. The Reichtag informed the Polish King that he could not interfere in the grand master's free exercise of power in Prussia. Friedrich's delaying tactics were assisted by their being three Polish kings during his 12 years in office.

Related Topics:
Imperial Reichstag - Worms - 1495 - Polish kings

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By custom, grand masters of the Order did not marry, so he had neither wife nor descendents.

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