John Frederick, Duke of Pomerania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johann Friedrich, Duke of Pomerania
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Johann Friedrich, Duke of Pomerania
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| Born | 27 August 1542 Wolgast |
| Died | 9 February 1600 (aged 57) Wolgast |
| Buried | Castle Church in Szczecin |
| Noble family | House of Griffin |
| Spouse(s) | Erdmuthe of Brandenburg |
| Father | Philip I, Duke of Pomerania |
| Mother | Maria of Saxony |
John Frederick (also known as Johann Friedrich) was born on August 27, 1542. He became an important ruler in a region called Pomerania. He was the Duke of Pomerania from 1560 until he died in 1600. He also held the title of Bishop of Cammin (now Kamień) from 1556 to 1574.
John Frederick was chosen as bishop in 1556. He also became the heir to the duchy in 1560. For a while, his great-uncle, Barnim XI, helped guide him. John Frederick officially took over his duties in 1567.
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Meet Duke John Frederick
John Frederick was the oldest of ten children. His parents were Philipp I of Pomerania-Wolgast and Maria of Saxony. When he was 14, he was chosen as the bishop of Cammin. This happened on August 29, 1556.
From John Frederick's time, his family, the House of Griffin, held the bishop title. They kept it until the last duke died in 1637. This made the bishopric's land less independent from the rest of Pomerania. The way the bishopric was managed changed in 1560.
Becoming a Duke
John Frederick's father died on February 14, 1560. This made John Frederick the Duke of Pomerania. But he was still young and under the care of his great-uncle, Barnim XI. His mother chose Ulrich von Schwerin to manage the duchy.
John Frederick traveled to Vienna to the court of Emperor Maximilian II. He even took part in a war against the Ottoman Empire. This was a big experience for him.
After returning from the war in 1567, John Frederick took on his roles. He became the Bishop of Cammin. He also officially became the Duke of Pomerania. At first, he shared this role with his brother, Bogislaw XIII.
Dividing Pomerania
In 1569, Barnim XI was 68 years old. He decided to step down as duke. The duchy was then divided among the male members of the House of Pomerania. This happened on May 23, 1569, in Jasenitz. The local parliament, called the Landtag, approved this in Wollin.
John Frederick and his brother, Barnim XII, received the area of Pomerania-Stettin. His other brothers, Ernest Louis and Bogislaw XIII, received Pomerania-Wolgast. Casimir VI received the bishopric of Cammin. Casimir took over this role from John Frederick in 1574.
Bogislaw and Barnim soon gave up their shares. They received other lands instead. This meant John Frederick got to rule his part of Pomerania alone.
Important Changes and Projects
John Frederick helped Stettin (now Szczecin) become a special place. It was one of only three cities allowed to make its own money in the Upper Saxon Circle. The other two cities were Leipzig and Berlin. He also argued against a rule that stopped people from using coins from outside the Holy Roman Empire. He said this rule hurt Pomerania's trade.
In 1570, John Frederick played a big role in history. He hosted a peace meeting in Stettin. This meeting ended the Northern Seven Years' War between Sweden and Denmark–Norway. He led the people chosen by Emperor Maximilian II to help make peace. This meeting led to the Treaty of Stettin.
John Frederick also started building a new home in Köslin (now Koszalin) in 1568. In 1577, he rebuilt the castle in Stettin. He made it look like the beautiful Italian Renaissance style. He tore down parts of the old palace and a church to do this.
Family and Legacy
John Frederick worked to improve relations with Brandenburg. He married Erdmut (also called Erdmuthe). She was born on June 26, 1561, and died on November 13, 1623. Erdmut was the oldest daughter of John George, Elector of Brandenburg. John Frederick and Erdmut did not have any children.
John Frederick died suddenly on February 9, 1600, during a party in Wolgast. His brother, Barnim XII, took over as duke. However, Barnim XII died just three years later.
