Principality/Duchy of Anhalt-Bernburg

Principality of Anhalt-Bernburg-Harzgerode

The Principality of Anhalt-Bernburg was one of four principalities created when Anhalt was partitioned in 1606. Like the other three, it was part of Ascanian Germany. In 1611, the prince created the Principality of Anhalt-Plötzkau for his brother, who had been left out of the division of 1606. That principality was terminated in 1665 when its prince assumed sovereignty over Anhalt-Köthen. Anhalt-Bernburg also temporarily spun off two subordinate principalities—Anhalt-Harzgerode (1634-1709) and Anhalt-Hoym (1707-1812). In 1669, it acquired the Senioratsamt of Gernrode (immediately assigning it to Anhalt-Harzgerode) and in 1718, it sold Amt Gröbzig to Anhalt-Dessau. When the ruling family of Anhalt-Zerbst died out, Anhalt-Bernburg acquired Amt Coswig and Amt Mühlingen. In 1806, the principality was raised to a duchy. The extinction of the Bernburg line in 1863 facilitated the final reunion of Anhalt.

 

In 1684, Anhalt-Bernburg assumed administrative responsibility for Haus Zeitz (under Saxon sovereignty) and Belleben (under Prussian sovereignty), combining them to form Amt Zeitz. Between 1707 and 1807, Amt Zeitz was spun off to the subordinate principality of Anhalt-Hoym. The Amt was award to Prussia under the 1815 Treaty of Vienna, but the administrative responsibility was restored to Bernburg.