In this article we are going to delve into the fascinating world of Sophie of Brandenburg. From its origins to its relevance today, Sophie of Brandenburg has been a topic of interest in various fields. Throughout history, Sophie of Brandenburg has demonstrated its influence in society, culture, technology, politics, and many other areas. Through in-depth analysis, we will explore the different perspectives and approaches that have emerged around Sophie of Brandenburg, as well as its impact on everyday life. This article seeks to give a comprehensive view of Sophie of Brandenburg, providing relevant and updated information for those interested in expanding their knowledge on this topic.
This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (April 2017) |
Sophie of Brandenburg | |
---|---|
Full name | Sophie of Brandenburg |
Born | Zechlin castle, Rheinsberg | 6 June 1568
Died | 7 December 1622 Colditz Castle | (aged 54)
Noble family | Hohenzollern |
Spouse(s) | Christian I, Elector of Saxony |
Issue Detail | Christian II, Elector of Saxony John George I, Elector of Saxony Sophie, Duchess of Pomerania Prince Augustus Dorothea, Abbess of Quedlinburg |
Father | John George, Elector of Brandenburg |
Mother | Sabina of Brandenburg-Ansbach |
Sophie of Brandenburg (6 June 1568 – 7 December 1622) was Electress of Saxony by marriage to Christian I, Elector of Saxony. She was regent from 1591 to 1601 during the minority of their son Christian II.
Sophie was born at Zechlin castle, Rheinsberg, a daughter of the Elector of Brandenburg John George (1525–1598) by his second marriage with Sabina of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1548–1575), daughter of Margrave George of Brandenburg-Ansbach.
On 25 April 1582 in Dresden, Sophie married Elector Christian I of Saxony (1560–1591). Sophie was 14 years old at her wedding, and after a year she had her first child.
After the death of her husband, who died at age 31, Sophie, together with Duke Frederick William I of Saxe Weimar, became Regent of the Electorate for her eldest son.
Sophie was an orthodox Lutheran, and fought against crypto-Calvinism in Saxony. After Christian I's death in 1591, she had the Calvinist Chancellor Nikolaus Krell, an opponent of Lutheran orthodoxy, imprisoned at the Königstein Fortress, and in 1601 had him executed at the Dresden Neumarkt. In allusion to the pious widow Judith in the Book of Judith, the orthodox Lutherans thereafter celebrated her as "Judith of Saxony".
As a widow, Sophie lived in the so-called "Fraumutterhaus" in Dresden or in Castle Colditz. She had her own gold coins ("Sophie ducats", Sophiendukaten) minted; she also had the old Franciscan church in Dresden again readied for divine service (1599–1610), which after her was called the Sophienkirche. The "Duchess's Garden" (Der Herzogin Garten) also takes its name from Duchess Sophie. She died at Colditz Castle.
Sophie had the following children: