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Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg
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Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg

duchy, Germany
Also known as: Sachsen-Altenburg
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The Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg was a former state in Germany, ruled by members of the Ernestine branch of the House of Wettin. It existed between 1485 and 1918. The territory of the duchy is now part of the German state of Thuringia.

The Ernestine duchies originated from the partition of the Electorate of Saxony in 1485. Although the Ernestine line lost its electoral title in 1547, it retained several territories, including Altenburg. Over time, these lands were divided and regrouped. By 1826, there were four main duchies, including Saxe-Altenburg. All Ernestine duchies joined the German Empire in 1871. In 1918, the rulers abdicated, and their lands were merged into the new state of Thuringia, except for Coburg, which joined Bavaria. Altenburg served as the capital of the duchy from 1603–72 and 1826–1918.12

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6 Britannica Sources
  1. Saxon duchies
  2. Saxony
  3. Altenburg
  4. Saxon Dynasty
  5. Altenburg
  6. Anhalt

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