Electorate of Saxony
A key electorate of the Holy Roman Empire, centered on Saxe-Wittenberg.
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The Electorate of Saxony (1356–1806) was an electorate of the Holy Roman Empire, centered on the Duchy of Saxe-Wittenberg with its capital at Dresden.
Lore & Background
Under the Wettins, Dresden became the permanent residence of the elector.
Reader's Guide
The Electorate of Saxony played a central role in the Holy Roman Empire as one of the seven prince-electors, holding the office of Arch-Marshal. Its establishment through the Golden Bull of 1356 formalized the electoral privilege for the Duchy of Saxe-Wittenberg, tying it to a specific territory. The Wettin dynasty's internal divisions and wars, such as the Saxon Fratricidal War, reflected common German dynastic conflicts, but the electorate remained a significant force until its replacement by the Kingdom of Saxony in 1806.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Electorate of Saxony?
The Electorate of Saxony was a German state within the Holy Roman Empire, formally established in 1356 and lasting until 1806. Centered on the Duchy of Saxe-Wittenberg with its capital at Dresden, it functioned as one of the seven principal electorates that chose the Emperor.
What special imperial office did the Prince-Elector of Saxony carry?
In addition to casting a vote for the Emperor, the Saxon elector served as the Arch-Marshal of the Holy Roman Empire, a prestigious ceremonial and administrative role that set the electorate apart in the imperial hierarchy.
How did the Electorate of Saxony come to an end?
In 1806 the electorate was formally replaced by the Kingdom of Saxony, stripping it of its electoral seat and ending its role as one of the seven imperial electors. This transformation coincided with the broader restructuring of the Holy Roman Empire itself.
More in Duchies And Electorates Of The Holy Roman Empire
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Electorate of Saxony (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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