Duke Frederick of Saxony (26 October 1474 – 14 December 1510), also known as
Friedrich von Sachsen or
Friedrich von Wettin, was the 36th
Grand Master of the
Teutonic Knights, serving from 1498-1510. He was the third (and youngest surviving) son of
Albert, Duke of Saxony, and
Zedena of Bohemia, daughter of
George of Podebrady.
The Teutonic Knights had been in a long power struggle with Poland over
Prussia. Because the Teutonic Knights' fortunes had declined throughout the 15th century, they hoped that by selecting someone connected by marriage to the ruling
Jagiellon dynasty of Poland, they would strengthen their position.
Born in
Torgau, Frederick was a member of the Albertine line, the junior branch of the prestigious
House of Wettin which ruled
Saxony. Frederick should not be confused with his
cousin of the same name from the Ernestine line, who ruled the
Electorate of Saxony. Frederick's older brother George had married Barbara, a sister of King
John I Albert of Poland. The young duke was elected Grand Master in 1498.
When the Polish king summoned Frederick to do
homage for the Order's holdings, he referred the matter to the
Imperial Reichstag set to meet in
Worms in 1495. The Reichstag informed John I Albert that he could not interfere in the Grand Master's free exercise of power in Prussia. Frederick's delaying tactics were assisted by the quick succession of three
Polish kings during his 12 years in office.
Frederick died in
Rochlitz. By custom, grand masters of the Order did not marry, so he had neither wife nor descendants.
Sources
Category:1474 birthsCategory:1510 deathsCategory:Grand Masters of the Teutonic KnightsCategory:House of WettinCategory:People from TorgauCategory:People from the Electorate of Saxonyde:Friedrich von Sachsen (1473–1510)et:Friedrich von Sachsenit:Federico di Sassonialt:Frydrichas Vetinashu:Frigyes szász hercegnl:Frederik van Saksenpl:Fryderyk Wettyn
