Christian II, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christian II, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg
Born	(1599-08-11)11 August 1599 Amberg
Died	22 September 1656(1656-09-22) (aged 57) Bernburg
Noble family	House of Ascania
Spouse(s)	Eleonore Sophie of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg
Issue Detail	Victor Amadeus, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg
Father	Christian I, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg
Mother	Anna of Bentheim-Tecklenburg

Christian II of Anhalt-Bernburg (born August 11, 1599, in Amberg – died September 22, 1656, in Bernburg) was a German prince. He belonged to the House of Ascania, a very old noble family. Christian II ruled the small principality of Anhalt-Bernburg.

He was the second son of Christian I, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg. His mother was Anna of Bentheim-Tecklenburg. Even though he was the second son, he was the oldest one who survived to become ruler.

Christian's Early Life and Education

Christian had a great education when he was young. He learned to speak both French and Italian very well. From 1608 to 1609, he studied in Geneva with his cousin, John Casimir of Anhalt-Dessau. They had two special teachers with them.

After his studies, Christian went on a "Grand Tour." This was a common trip for young nobles to learn about other countries. He traveled to France, Italy, and England.

The Thirty Years' War Begins

In 1618, when Christian was 19, a terrible war began. This was the Thirty Years' War, which lasted for a very long time. Christian wrote in his diary that fighting in this war was his "fatal destiny."

For Christian, the war truly started at the Battle of White Mountain in 1620. His father was defeated in this battle and had to leave the Empire. Christian himself was captured along with his soldiers. However, he soon gained the favor of Emperor Ferdinand II. This allowed him to return home to Bernburg in 1621.

His uncle, Louis of Anhalt-Köthen, invited Christian to join the Fruitbearing Society. This was a group of German nobles who wanted to improve the German language and culture.

Facing Challenges as a Ruler

In 1630, Christian's father passed away. Christian then became the new ruler of Anhalt-Bernburg. At this time, the principality was in a very bad state because of the war.

During his first year as ruler, Bernburg was attacked and robbed by Danish soldiers. A terrible sickness also spread, killing almost 1,700 people. In 1636, the Bernburg castle was almost taken by enemy troops. But a brave 70-year-old officer, Burkhard von Erlach, stopped them.

A Glimpse into History: His Diaries

Christian kept detailed diaries throughout his life. He wrote 24 volumes of these diaries! They are still saved today and are very important. They give us valuable information about what happened during the Thirty Years' War.

Family Life: Marriage and Children

Christian's wife, Eleonora Sophia of Schleswig-Holstein (1603–1675)

On February 28, 1625, Christian married his cousin, Eleonore Sophie. She was born in 1603 and passed away in 1675. Eleonore Sophie was also a princess of Denmark.

Christian and Eleonore Sophie had fifteen children together. Sadly, many of their children died when they were very young. Their son, Victor Amadeus, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg, later became the next ruler after Christian.

See also

In Spanish: Cristián II de Anhalt-Bernburg para niños