Sigismund I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau (died Coswig, 19 January 1405), was a German prince of the House of Ascania and ruler of the principality of Anhalt-Zerbst until 1396, when he became the first ruler of the principality of Anhalt-Dessau. He was the eldest son of John II, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, by his wife Elisabeth, daughter of John I, Count of Henneberg-Schleusingen.
Sigismund I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau | |
|---|---|
| Died | 19 January 1405 Coswig |
| Noble family | House of Ascania |
| Spouse(s) | Judith of Querfurt |
| Father | John II, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst |
| Mother | Elisabeth of Henneberg-Schleusingen |
Life
editIn 1382, after the death of his father, Sigismund inherited the principality of Anhalt-Zerbst jointly with his brothers Albert IV and Waldemar III. After the death of Waldemar in 1391, Sigismund and Albert became the sole co-rulers.
Five years later, in 1396, both brothers decided to settle upon a formal division of the principality of Anhalt-Zerbst. Sigismund assumed the title "Lord of Zerbst," but established the town of Dessau as his main residence and capital of his newly created principality of Anhalt-Dessau.
Marriage and issue
editIn 1386, Sigismund married Judith (d. aft. 1411), daughter of Gebhard XI, Count of Querfurt. They had eleven children:
- Sophie (d. 1419), married bef. 6 June 1415 to Burkhard IV of Barby, Count of Mühlingen.
- Elisabeth (d. aft. 19 November 1413), married bef. 1402 to Albert IV, Count of Mansfeld.
- Anna (d. young)
- Margareta (d. young)
- Waldemar IV, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau (d. aft. 22 July 1417).
- George I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau (b. ca. 1390 – d. Dessau, 21 September 1474).
- Matilda (b. 1392 – d. 1463), Abbess of Gernrode (1439).
- John (IV) (d. Dessau, 1455), a canon in Merseburg, Provost of Merseburg.
- Sigismund II, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau (d. 22 May 1452).
- Albert V, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau (d. ca. 1469).
- Ernest (d. aft. 22 October 1405).