Saxe-Coburg-Eisenach facts for kids

Saxe-Coburg-Eisenach was a small duchy (a type of country ruled by a duke) that existed for two short periods. It was part of the Holy Roman Empire, a large group of lands in central Europe. Today, the areas that were once Saxe-Coburg-Eisenach are in the German states of Bavaria and Thuringia.

How It Started

This duchy was created in 1572. At that time, a larger area called the Duchy of Saxony-Weimar was split up. Two young princes, Johann Casimir and Johann Ernst, received the areas of Coburg and Eisenach. This event was known as the Division of Erfurt.

Who Ruled Saxe-Coburg-Eisenach?

Since Johann Casimir and Johann Ernst were still children when they got their land, a powerful ruler named Elector August of Saxony helped them govern. He was their regent, which means he ruled for them until they were old enough.

In 1586, the brothers began to rule on their own. Johann Ernst decided to live a quieter life at his hunting lodge. In 1590, the brothers divided their country. Johann Casimir kept the area known as Saxe-Coburg, and Johann Ernst took Saxe-Eisenach.

The Duchy Reunited

Johann Casimir passed away in 1633. Since he had no children, his brother Johann Ernst inherited his lands. This meant that Coburg and Eisenach were joined together again, forming Saxe-Coburg-Eisenach once more. However, this reunion was also short-lived. Johann Ernst died in 1638.

The End of the Line

Johann Ernst also did not have any children. Because of this, the family line of Saxe-Coburg-Eisenach ended. The land was then divided among other related families in the Ernestine line.