Catherine of Saxony, Archduchess of Austria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catherine of Saxony |
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| Archduchess of Austria | |
Portrait by Lucas Cranach the Elder
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| Born | 24 July 1468 Grimma, Saxony |
| Died | 10 February 1524 (aged 55) Calenberg, Brunswick-Lüneburg |
| Burial | St. Blaise's Church, Münden |
| Spouse | Sigismund, Archduke of Austria Eric I, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg |
| House | House of Wettin |
| Father | Albert III, Duke of Saxony |
| Mother | Sidonie of Poděbrady |
Catherine of Saxony (in German: Katharina von Sachsen; born July 24, 1468 – died February 10, 1524) was an important princess. She belonged to a powerful German family called the House of Wettin. Catherine became the second wife of Sigismund, Archduke of Austria. He was the ruler of a region known as Tyrol.
Early Life
Catherine was born in a town called Grimma. She was the oldest child of Duke Albert III of Saxony. Her mother was Princess Sidonie of Poděbrady from Bohemia. Catherine came from a very important family. Her grandparents included Elector Frederick III of Saxony and King George of Poděbrady. She also had three younger brothers: George, Henry, and Frederick.
Marriage to Archduke Sigismund
In 1484, when Catherine was 16 years old, she married Sigismund, Archduke of Austria. The wedding took place at the court in Innsbruck. Sigismund was 56 years old at the time. He was getting old and perhaps not thinking clearly.
Sigismund had been married before to Princess Eleanor of Scotland. They did not have any children who lived. Catherine and Sigismund also did not have any children together.
Catherine did not get very involved in the politics of Tyrol. There were some problems at court. In 1487, someone tried to cause trouble for Catherine. They falsely claimed she was trying to poison her husband.
Archduke Sigismund's way of ruling was not working well. He slowly started to lose control of his lands in Tyrol. His cousin, Emperor Frederick III, took over more and more power. Sigismund also had many arguments with the local nobles. This was because he had made new rules that limited their power.
In 1490, Sigismund decided to give up his rule. After this, Catherine had much less money to live on. Sigismund passed away in 1496.
Later Life and Second Marriage
Soon after Archduke Sigismund died, Catherine married again. On March 4, 1496, she married Duke Eric I of Brunswick-Lüneburg. He was a ruler from the House of Welf family. Eric ruled a region called the Principality of Calenberg.
Catherine and Eric had one daughter together named Anna Maria. Sadly, Anna Maria did not live for very long. Catherine passed away in 1524. She was buried in St. Blaise's Church in Münden. Her tombstone was made by an artist named Loy Hering. After Catherine's death, Duke Eric married again. He had more children with his new wife, Elisabeth of Brandenburg.
Images for kids
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Sigismund, Archduke of Austria and his wives.
