Treaty of Xanten

The Treaty of Xanten, signed in 1614, resolved a succession dispute over the duchies of Cleves, Mark, and Berg within the Holy Roman Empire. Following the death of Duke John William of Cleves-Jülich-Berg without an heir in 1609, the territories were jointly occupied by John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg, and Wolfgang William of Palatinate-Neuburg. The treaty divided these lands, with Brandenburg gaining Cleves-Mark and Ravensberg, and Palatinate-Neuburg receiving Jülich-Berg and Ravensstein. This agreement aimed to prevent further conflict and establish a clear line of succession, though it was part of a complex political landscape in early 17th-century Europe.1