kids encyclopedia robot

Saxe-Jena facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Duchy of Saxe-Jena

Herzogtum Sachsen-Jena
1672–1690
Saxe-Jena, shown with the other Ernestine duchies
Saxe-Jena, shown with the other Ernestine duchies
Status State of the Holy Roman Empire
Capital Jena
Government Principality
Historical era Middle Ages
• Partitioned from
    Saxe-Weimar
 
1672 1672
• Ducal line extinct;
    restored to Saxe-Weimar
 
1690 1690
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Saxe-Weimar Saxe-Weimar
Saxe-Weimar Saxe-Weimar

The Duchy of Saxe-Jena was a small country that existed for a short time in what is now Germany. It was one of the Ernestine duchies, which were small states ruled by different branches of the House of Wettin family. These duchies were part of the larger Holy Roman Empire.

How Saxe-Jena Began

The Duchy of Saxe-Jena was created in 1672. It was formed when the existing Saxe-Weimar duchy was divided. This was a common practice among the Ernestine duchies. When a duke died, his land was often split among his sons.

Bernhard II Becomes Duke

In 1672, a part of Saxe-Weimar was given to Bernhard. He was the fourth son of Wilhelm, Duke of Saxe-Weimar. Bernhard became the first ruler, or "duke," of this new territory, which was named Saxe-Jena.

The End of the Duchy

The Duchy of Saxe-Jena did not last very long. It existed for only 18 years.

No Heirs to Inherit

When the second duke, Johann Wilhelm, died in 1690, he did not have any sons. In those times, only male children could inherit a title and land. Because there were no male heirs, the Duchy of Saxe-Jena could not continue as a separate state.

Rejoining Saxe-Weimar

After Johann Wilhelm's death, the territory of Saxe-Jena was returned to Saxe-Weimar. This meant it became part of the larger Saxe-Weimar duchy again.

Rulers of Saxe-Jena

Here are the two dukes who ruled the Duchy of Saxe-Jena during its short history:

The land was then reincorporated into Saxe-Weimar.

kids search engine
Saxe-Jena Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.