Difference between revisions of "House of Hohenzollern" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{redirect|Hohenzollern}}
 
{{Royal house|
 
|surname = House of Hohenzollern
 
|estate = Germany, Prussia, Romania
 
|coat of arms = [[Image:Wappen Deutsches Reich - Reichswappen (Grosses).png|120px|Imperial coat of arms of Germany]]
 
|country = [[Germany]], [[Romania]]
 
|parent house = Burchardinger dynasty
 
|titles = [[Zollern|Count of Zollern]]<br>[[Margraviate of Brandenburg|Margrave of Brandenburg]]<br>[[Duchy of Prussia|Duke of Prussia]]<br>[[Burgrave of Nuremberg]]<br>[[Margrave of Bayreuth]]<br>[[Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach]]<br>[[Kingdom of Prussia|King of Prussia]]<br>[[List of German monarchs|German Emperor]]
 
|founder = [[Frederick I, Burgrave of Nuremberg|Burgrave Frederick I of Nuremberg]]
 
|final ruler =
 
<small>Germany and Prussia:</small><br>[[William II, German Emperor|Emperor William II]] (1888-1918)<br><small>Romania:</small>
 
[[Michael I of Romania|King Mihai I]] (1927-1930, 1940-1947)
 
|current head =<small>Germany and Prussia:</small><br>[[Georg Friedrich, Prince of Prussia|HIRH Prince Georg Friedrich]] (1994-)<br>
 
<small>Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen:</small><br>[[Frederick William, Prince of Hohenzollern|HRH Prince Frederick William]] (1965-)<br></small>
 
<small>Romania:</small><br>[[Michael I of Romania|HM King Mihai I]] (1947-)</small>
 
|founding year = [[12th Century|1100s AD]]
 
|deposition=<small>Germany and Prussia:</small><br>1918: [[German Revolution]]<br><small>Romania:</small><br>1947: [[Socialist Republic of Romania|Communist take-over]]
 
|nationality = [[German people|German]]
 
|cadet branches = [[Hohenzollern-Hechingen]] <br/> [[Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen]] <br/> [[House of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch|Hohenzollern-Haigerloch]]}}
 
  
The '''House of Hohenzollern''' is a noble [[family]] and royal [[dynasty]] of [[Prince-elector|electors]], kings, and emperors of [[Prussia]], [[Germany]], and [[Romania]]. It originated in the area around the town of [[Hechingen]] in [[Swabia]] during the 11th century. They took their name from their [[family seat|ancestral home]], the [[Burg Hohenzollern]] castle near the forementioned town.
+
[[Image:Wappen Deutsches Reich - Reichswappen (Grosses).png|120px|Imperial coat of arms of Germany]]
  
The family uses the [[motto]] ''[[Nihil Sine Deo]]'' ([[English language|English]]: Nothing Without God). The family [[coat of arms]], first adopted in 1192, began as a simple shield [[Quartering (heraldry)|quarterly]] [[sable]] and [[argent]]. The head and shoulders of a hound were added in 1317 by [[Frederick IV, Burgrave of Nuremberg|Frederick IV]].<ref>[http://www.steincollectors.org/steinmo/2002/Hohenzollern.html A Royal Student Stein]</ref> Later [[Quartering (heraldry)|quartering]] incorporated other branches of the family.
+
The '''House of Hohenzollern''' is a noble [[family]] and royal dynasty of Prince-electors, kings, and emperors of [[Prussia]], [[Germany]], and [[Romania]]. It originated in the area around the town of Hechingen in Swabia during the 11th century. They took their name from their ancestral home, the Burg Hohenzollern castle.
  
The family split into two branches, the [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] [[Swabia]]n branch and [[Protestantism|Protestant]] [[Franconia]]n branch. The Swabian branch ruled the area of [[Hechingen]] until their eventual extinction in 1869. The Franconian branch was comparatively more successful.  Branches within the Franconian branch ascended the throne of [[Margravate of Brandenburg]] in 1415 and of the [[Duchy of Prussia]] in 1525. The union of these two Franconian branches in 1618 allowed the creation of the [[Kingdom of Prussia]] in 1701, the state which led the [[unification of Germany]] and the creation of the [[German Empire]] in 1871.  
+
The family uses the motto ''Nihil Sine Deo'' (English: Nothing Without [[God]]). The family coat of arms, first adopted in 1192, began as a simple shield quarterly sable and argent. The head and shoulders of a hound were added in 1317 by Frederick IV.<ref>Smith, Stephen Lee and Vogdes, Walter B. 2002. [http://www.steincollectors.org/steinmo/2002/Hohenzollern.html A Royal Student Stein.] Stein Collectors International, Stein of the Month. May. Retrieved October 8, 2008.</ref> Later quartering incorporated other branches of the family.
  
Social unrest at the end of [[World War I]] led to the [[German Revolution]] of 1918, with the subsequent formation of the [[Weimar Republic]] forcing the Hohenzollerns to abdicate, thus bringing an end to the modern [[German monarchy]]. The [[Treaty of Versailles]] in 1919 set the final terms for the dismantling of the German Empire.
+
The family split into two branches, the [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] Swabian branch and [[Protestantism|Protestant]] Franconian branch. The Swabian branch ruled the area of Hechingen until their eventual extinction in 1869. The Franconian branch was comparatively more successful. Branches within the Franconian branch ascended the throne of Margravate of Brandenburg in 1415 and of the Duchy of Prussia]] in 1525. The union of these two Franconian branches in 1618 allowed the creation of the Kingdom of [[Prussia]] in 1701, the state which led the unification of Germany and the creation of the German Empire in 1871.
 +
 
 +
Social unrest at the end of [[World War I]] led to the German Revolution of 1918, with the subsequent formation of the [[Weimar Republic]] forcing the Hohenzollerns to abdicate, thus bringing an end to the modern German monarchy. The [[Treaty of Versailles]] in 1919 set the final terms for the dismantling of the German Empire. A member of the house ruled in Romania until 1947.  
  
 
==Origins==
 
==Origins==
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[[Image:Hohenzollern-herb-rodowy.jpg||right|75px]]
 
[[Image:Hohenzollern-herb-rodowy.jpg||right|75px]]
  
The oldest known mentioning of the '''[[Zollern]]''' dates from 1061. It was a countship, ruled by the counts of Zollern. The accepted origin of the counts of Zollern is that they are derived from the [[Burchardinger]] dynasty.
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The oldest known mentioning of the '''Zollern''' dates from 1061. It was a countship, ruled by the counts of Zollern. The accepted origin of the counts of Zollern is that they are derived from the Burchardinger dynasty.
  
* until 1061: [[Burkhard I, Count of Zollern|Burkhard I]]
+
* until 1061: Burkhard I, Count of Zollern  
* before 1125: [[Frederick I, Count of Zollern|Frederick I]] (son of)
+
* before 1125: Frederick I (son of)
* circa 1142 : [[Frederick II, Count of Zollern|Frederick II]] (son of)
+
* circa 1142 : Frederick II (son of)
* before 1171 - circa 1200: [[Frederick I, Burgrave of Nuremberg|Frederick III/I]] (son of, also [[Burgrave of Nuremberg]])
+
* before 1171 - circa 1200: Frederick III/I (son of, also Burgrave of Nuremberg)
  
Count Frederick III of Zollern was a loyal retainer of the Holy Roman emperors [[Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor|Frederick Barbarossa]] and [[Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor|Henry VI]] and about 1185 he married [[Sophia of Raabs]], the daughter of [[Conrad II, Burgrave of Nuremberg]].  
+
Count Frederick III of Zollern was a loyal retainer of the Holy Roman emperors [[Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor|Frederick Barbarossa]] and [[Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor|Henry VI]] and about 1185 he married Sophia of Raabs, the daughter of Conrad II, Burgrave of Nuremberg.  
  
After the death of Conrad II, who left no male heirs, Frederick III was granted the [[burgraviate of Nuremberg]] in 1192 as burgrave Frederick I of Nuremberg-Zollern. Since then the family name became to be known as '''[[Hohenzollern]]'''.  
+
After the death of Conrad II, who left no male heirs, Frederick III was granted the burgraviate of Nuremberg in 1192 as burgrave Frederick I of Nuremberg-Zollern. Since then the family name became to be known as '''Hohenzollern'''.  
  
 
After Frederick's death, his sons partitioned the family lands between themselves:
 
After Frederick's death, his sons partitioned the family lands between themselves:
  
* The youngest brother, [[Frederick IV, Burgrave of Nuremberg|Frederick IV]], received the county of Zollern and burgraviate of Nuremberg in 1200 from his father, thereby founding the '''Swabian branch''' of the House of Hohenzollerns. The Swabian line remained [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]].
+
* The youngest brother, Frederick IV, received the county of Zollern and burgraviate of Nuremberg in 1200 from his father, thereby founding the '''Swabian branch''' of the House of Hohenzollerns. The Swabian line remained Catholic.
  
* The oldest brother, [[Conrad I, Burgrave of Nuremberg|Conrad III]], received the burgraviate of Nuremberg in 1218 from his younger brother Frederick IV, thereby founding the '''Franconian branch''' of the House of Hohenzollerns. The Franconian line later converted to [[Protestantism]].
+
* The oldest brother, Conrad III, received the burgraviate of Nuremberg in 1218 from his younger brother Frederick IV, thereby founding the '''Franconian branch''' of the House of Hohenzollerns. The Franconian line later converted to [[Protestantism]].
  
 
==Franconian senior branch and Brandenburg-Prussian Branch==
 
==Franconian senior branch and Brandenburg-Prussian Branch==
The senior Franconian branch of the House of Hohenzollern was founded by [[Conrad I of Nuremberg|Conrad III, Burgrave of Nuremberg]].
+
The senior Franconian branch of the House of Hohenzollern was founded by Conrad III, Burgrave of Nuremberg.
  
 
Beginning in the 16th century, this branch of the family became Protestant and decided on expansion through marriage and a purchase of surrounding lands.  
 
Beginning in the 16th century, this branch of the family became Protestant and decided on expansion through marriage and a purchase of surrounding lands.  
  
The family were supporters of the rulers from the [[House of Hohenstaufen]] and the [[House of Habsburg]] of the Holy Roman Empire during the 12th to 15th centuries, by which they were rewarded with several territorial benefits.
+
The family were supporters of the rulers from the House of Hohenstaufen and the House of [[Habsburg]] of the Holy Roman Empire during the 12th to 15th centuries, by which they were rewarded with several territorial benefits.
  
In a first phase, the family gradually added to their lands, at first with many small acquisitions in the [[Franconia]]n and [[Bavaria]]n regions of [[Germany]]:
+
In a first phase, the family gradually added to their lands, at first with many small acquisitions in the Franconian and Bavarian regions of Germany:
  
* [[Ansbach]] in 1331  
+
* Ansbach in 1331  
* [[Kulmbach]] in 1340
+
* Kulmbach in 1340
  
In a second phase, the family expanded their lands further with large acquisitions in the [[Brandenburg]] and [[Prussia]]n regions of [[Germany]] and [[Poland]]:
+
In a second phase, the family expanded their lands further with large acquisitions in the Brandenburg and Prussian regions of Germany and [[Poland]]:
  
* [[Margraviate of Brandenburg]] in 1417  
+
* Margraviate of Brandenburg in 1417  
* [[Duchy of Prussia]] in 1618  
+
* Duchy of Prussia in 1618  
  
 
These acquisitions were to eventually propel the Hohenzollerns from a minor German princely family into one of the most important in Europe.  
 
These acquisitions were to eventually propel the Hohenzollerns from a minor German princely family into one of the most important in Europe.  
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[[Image:Grosses Wappen Nuernberg.png||right|75px]]
 
[[Image:Grosses Wappen Nuernberg.png||right|75px]]
  
{{main|Burgrave of Nuremberg|l1=Burgraves of Nuremberg}}
+
* 1192–1200/1204: Frederick I/III (also count of Zollern)
 +
* 1204–1218: Frederick II of Nuremberg (son of, also count of Zollern)
 +
* 1218–1261/1262: Conrad I of Nuremberg (brother of, also count of Zollern)
 +
* 1262–1297: Frederick III of Nuremberg  (son of)
 +
* 1297–1300: John I of Nuremberg (son of)
 +
* 1300–1332: Frederick IV of Nuremberg (brother of)
 +
* 1332–1357: John II of Nuremberg (son of)
 +
* 1357–1398: Frederick V of Nuremberg (son of)
  
* 1192–1200/1204: [[Frederick I of Nuremberg|Frederick I/III]] (also count of Zollern)
+
At Frederick V's death on 21 January 1398 his lands were partitioned between his two sons:
* 1204–1218: [[Frederick II of Nuremberg|Frederick II/IV]] (son of, also count of Zollern)
 
* 1218–1261/1262: [[Conrad I of Nuremberg|Conrad I/III]] (brother of, also count of Zollern)
 
* 1262–1297: [[Frederick III of Nuremberg|Frederick III]] (son of)
 
* 1297–1300: [[John I of Nuremberg|John I]] (son of)
 
* 1300–1332: [[Frederick IV of Nuremberg|Frederick IV]] (brother of)
 
* 1332–1357: [[John II of Nuremberg|John II]] (son of)
 
* 1357–1398: [[Frederick V of Nuremberg|Frederick V]] (son of)
 
  
At Frederick V's death on [[21 January]] [[1398]] his lands were partitioned between his two sons:
+
* 1398-1420: John III/I (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
 +
* 1420-1427: Frederick VI, (brother of, also Elector of Brandenburg and Margrave of Brandenburg-Asbach)
  
* 1398-1420: [[John III, Burgrave of Nuremberg|John III/I]] (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
+
After John III/I's death on 11 June 1420, the two principalities were shortly reunited under Frederick VI. From 1412 Frederick VI became Margrave of Brandenburg as Frederick I and Elector of Brandenburg as Frederick I. From 1420 he became [[Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach]]. Upon his death on 21 September 1440, his territories were divided between his sons:
* 1420-1427: [[Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg|Frederick VI/I/I]], (brother of, also Elector of Brandenburg and Margrave of Brandenburg-Asbach)
 
  
After John III/I's death on [[11 June]] [[1420]], the two principalities were shortly reunited under Frederick VI/I/I.  From 1412 Frederick VI became [[Margrave of Brandenburg]] as Frederick I and [[Elector of Brandenburg]] as Frederick I.  From 1420 he became [[Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach]]. Upon his death on [[21 September]] [[1440]], his territories were divided between his sons:
+
* John II, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach
  
* [[John, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach|John II, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach]]
+
* Frederick II, Elector of Brandenburg
  
* [[Frederick II, Elector of Brandenburg]]
+
* Elector of Brandenburg and Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach
 
 
* [[Albert III, Elector of Brandenburg|Albert III, Elector of Brandenburg and Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach]]
 
  
 
From 1427 onwards the title of Burgrave of Nuremberg was absorbed into the titles of Margrave of Brandenburg-Alsbach and Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach.
 
From 1427 onwards the title of Burgrave of Nuremberg was absorbed into the titles of Margrave of Brandenburg-Alsbach and Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach.
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===Margraves of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1398-1791)===
 
===Margraves of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1398-1791)===
 
[[Image:Wappen von Ansbach.svg|right|75px]]
 
[[Image:Wappen von Ansbach.svg|right|75px]]
{{main|Margrave of Ansbach|l1=Margraves of Brandenburg-Ansbach}}
 
  
* 1398: [[Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg|Frederick I]] (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
+
* 1398: Frederick I (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
* 1440: [[Albert III, Margrave of Brandenburg|Albert I/I/III Achilles]] (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Elector of Brandenburg)
+
* 1440: Albert III, Margrave of Brandenburg (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Elector of Brandenburg)
* 1486: [[Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|Frederick II/III]] (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
+
* 1486: Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach  (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
* 1515: [[George, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|George I/I the Pious]] (son of, also Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf)
+
* 1515: George, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (son of, also Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf)
* 1543: [[George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|George Frederick I/I/I/I]] (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach, Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf and Regent of Prussia)
+
* 1543: George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach, Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf and Regent of Prussia)
* 1603: [[Joachim Ernst, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|Joachim Ernst]]
+
* 1603: Joachim Ernst, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach
* 1625: [[Frederick II, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|Frederick III]]
+
* 1625: Frederick II, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach
* 1634: [[Albert, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|Albert II]]
+
* 1634: Albert, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach
* 1667: [[John Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|John Frederick]]
+
* 1667: John Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach
* 1686: [[Christian Albrecht, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|Christian I Albrecht]]
+
* 1686: Christian Albrecht, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach
* 1692: [[George Frederick II, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|George Frederick II/II]] (later Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
+
* 1692: George Frederick II, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (later Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
* 1703: [[William Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|William Frederick]] (before 1686-1723)
+
* 1703: William Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (before 1686-1723)
* 1723: [[Charles William Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|Charles William]] (1712-1757)
+
* 1723: Charles William Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1712-1757)
* 1757: [[Christian Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|Christian II Frederick]] (1757-1791) (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
+
* 1757: Christian Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1757-1791) (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
  
On [[2 December]] [[1791]], Christian II Frederick sold the sovereignty of his principalities to king Frederick William II of Prussia.
+
On 2 December 1791, Christian II Frederick sold the sovereignty of his principalities to king Frederick William II of Prussia.
  
 
===Margraves of Brandenburg-Kulmbach (1398-1604), later Brandenburg-Bayreuth (1604-1791)===
 
===Margraves of Brandenburg-Kulmbach (1398-1604), later Brandenburg-Bayreuth (1604-1791)===
 
[[Image:Wappen Kulmbach.jpg|right|75px]]
 
[[Image:Wappen Kulmbach.jpg|right|75px]]
 
[[Image:Wappen von Bayreuth.png|right|75px]]
 
[[Image:Wappen von Bayreuth.png|right|75px]]
{{main|Margrave of Bayreuth|l1=Margraves of Brandenburg-Kulmbach, later Brandenburg-Bayreuth}}
 
  
* 1397: [[John III, Burgrave of Nuremberg|John I]]
+
* 1397: John III, Burgrave of Nuremberg
* 1420: [[Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg|Frederick I]] (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach)
+
* 1420: Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach)
* 1440: [[John, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach|John II]]
+
* 1440: John, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach
* 1457: [[Albert III, Margrave of Brandenburg|Albert I/I/III Achilles]] (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach and Elector of Brandenburg)
+
* 1457: Albert III, Margrave of Brandenburg (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach and Elector of Brandenburg)
* 1464: [[Frederick II, Elector of Brandenburg|Frederick II]] (also Elector of Brandenburg)
+
* 1464: Frederick II (also Elector of Brandenburg)
* 1486: [[Siegmund, Margrave of Bayreuth|Siegmund]]
+
* 1486: Siegmund
* 1495: [[Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|Frederick III/II]] (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach)
+
* 1495: Frederick III/II (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach)
* 1515: [[Casimir, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth|Casimir]]
+
* 1515: Casimir, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
* 1527: [[Albert Alcibiades, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach|Albert II Alcibiades]]
+
* 1527: Albert Alcibiades, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach
* 1553: [[George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|George Frederick I/I/I/I]] (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf and Regent of Prussia)
+
* 1553: George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf and Regent of Prussia)
* 1603: [[Christian, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth|Christian I]]
+
* 1603: Christian, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
* 1655: [[Christian Ernst, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth|Christian II Ernst]]
+
* 1655: Christian Ernst, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
* 1712: [[George William, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth|George I William]]
+
* 1712: George William, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
* 1726: [[George Frederick Charles, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth|George Frederick II/II]] (previously Margrave of Kulmbach)
+
* 1726: George Frederick Charles, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth (previously Margrave of Kulmbach)
* 1735: [[Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth|Frederick IV]]
+
* 1735: Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
* 1763: [[Frederick Christian, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth|Frederick V Christian]]
+
* 1763: Frederick Christian, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
* 1769: [[Christian Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|Christian II Frederick]] (until 1791, also Margrave of brandenburg-Ansbach)
+
* 1769: Christian Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (until 1791, also Margrave of brandenburg-Ansbach)
  
On [[2 December]] [[1791]], Christian II Frederick sold the sovereignty of his principalities to king Frederick William II of Prussia.
+
On 2 December 1791, Christian II Frederick sold the sovereignty of his principalities to king Frederick William II of Prussia.
  
 
===Margraves and Electors of Brandenburg (1417-1806)===
 
===Margraves and Electors of Brandenburg (1417-1806)===
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[[Image:Brandenburg,Electorate,1686.jpg|right|75px]]
 
[[Image:Brandenburg,Electorate,1686.jpg|right|75px]]
  
{{main|Rulers of Brandenburg|l1=Margraves and Electors of Brandenburg}}
+
*1415-1440: Frederick I of Brandenburg (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Burgrave of Nuremberg)
*1415-1440: [[Frederick I of Brandenburg|Frederick I/I/VI]] (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Burgrave of Nuremberg)
+
*1440-1470: Frederick II, Elector of Brandenburg (son)
*1440-1470: [[Frederick II, Elector of Brandenburg|Frederick II]] (son)
+
*1470-1486: Albert III Achilles, Elector of Brandenburg (brother) (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach)
*1470-1486: [[Albert III Achilles, Elector of Brandenburg|Albrecht III/I/I Achilles]] (brother) (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach)
+
*1486-1499: John Cicero, Elector of Brandenburg (son)
*1486-1499: [[John Cicero, Elector of Brandenburg|John I Cicero]] (son)
+
*1499-1535: Joachim I Nestor, Elector of Brandenburg  (son)
*1499-1535: [[Joachim I Nestor, Elector of Brandenburg|Joachim I Nestor]] (son)
+
*1535-1571: Joachim II Hector, Elector of Brandenburg (son)
*1535-1571: [[Joachim II Hector, Elector of Brandenburg|Joachim II Hector]] (son)
+
*1571-1598: John George, Elector of Brandenburg (son)
*1571-1598: [[John George, Elector of Brandenburg|John II George]] (son)
+
*1598-1608: Joachim Frederick, Elector of Brandenburg (son, also Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf and Regent of Prussia)
*1598-1608: [[Joachim Frederick, Elector of Brandenburg|Joachim III/I/I Frederick]] (son, also Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf and Regent of Prussia)
+
*1608-1619: John Sigismund of Brandenburg (son, also duke of Prussia)
*1608-1619: [[John Sigismund of Brandenburg|John III/I Sigismund]] (son, also duke of Prussia)
+
*1619-1640: George William of Brandenburg (son, also duke of Prussia)
*1619-1640: [[George William of Brandenburg|George William I/I]] (son, also duke of Prussia)
+
*1640-1688: Frederick William of Brandenburg (son, also duke of Prussia)
*1640-1688: [[Frederick William of Brandenburg|Frederick III/I William the Great]] (son, also duke of Prussia)
+
*1688-1701: Frederick I of Prussia (son, also Duke of Prussia and King in Prussia)
*1688-1701: [[Frederick I of Prussia|Frederick IV/II/I]] (son, also Duke of Prussia and King in Prussia)
 
  
 
From 1701 the title of Elector of Brandenburg was attached to the title of King in and of Prussia.
 
From 1701 the title of Elector of Brandenburg was attached to the title of King in and of Prussia.
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===Dukes of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf (1523-1622)===
 
===Dukes of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf (1523-1622)===
 
[[Image:Krnov znak.png|right|80px]]
 
[[Image:Krnov znak.png|right|80px]]
The [[Duchy of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf]] was purchased in 1523.
+
The Duchy of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf was purchased in 1523.
 
 
{{main|Dukes of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf|l1=}}
 
  
* 1541–1543 : [[George, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|George I/I the Pious]] (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach)
+
* 1541–1543 : George, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach)
* 1543–1603 : [[George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|George Frederick I/I/I/I]] (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Regent of Prussia)
+
* 1543–1603 : George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Regent of Prussia)
* 1603–1606 : [[Joachim Friedrich|Joachim I/I/III]] (also Regent of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg)
+
* 1603–1606 : Joachim Friedrich  (also Regent of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg)
* 1606–1621 : [[Johann Georg of Hohenzollern]]
+
* 1606–1621 : Johann Georg of Hohenzollern
  
The duchy of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf was confiscated by [[Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor|Ferdinand III of the Holy Roman Empire]] in 1622.
+
The duchy of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf was confiscated by Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor in 1622.
  
 
===Margraves of Brandenburg-Küstrin (1535-1571)===
 
===Margraves of Brandenburg-Küstrin (1535-1571)===
 
[[Image:Wappen Kuestrin-Kietz.png|right|75px]]
 
[[Image:Wappen Kuestrin-Kietz.png|right|75px]]
The short-lived [[Margraviate of Brandenburg-Küstrin]] (principality) was set up, against the Hohenzollern [[house law]]s on succession, as a secundogenitur [[fief]] of the House of Hohenzollern, a typical German institution.
+
The short-lived [[Margraviate of Brandenburg-Küstrin]] (principality) was set up, against the Hohenzollern house laws on succession, as a fief of the House of Hohenzollern, a typical German institution.
 
 
{{main|Margraves of Brandenburg-Küstrin}}
 
  
* 1535–1571: [[Johan the Wise]], Margrave of Brandenburg-Küstrin  (son of [[Joachim I Nestor, Elector of Brandenburg]])
+
* 1535–1571: Johan the Wis], Margrave of Brandenburg-Küstrin  (son of Joachim I Nestor, Elector of Brandenburg)
  
He died without issue. The Margraviate of Brandenburg-Küstrin was absorbed in 1571 into the Margraviate and Electorate of Brandenburg.
+
He died without issue. The Margraviate of Brandenburg-Küstrin was absorbed in 1571 into the Margraviate and Electorate of Brandenburg.
  
 
===Margraves of Brandenburg-Schwedt (1688-1788)===
 
===Margraves of Brandenburg-Schwedt (1688-1788)===
 
[[Image:Wappen Schwedt.png|right|75px]]
 
[[Image:Wappen Schwedt.png|right|75px]]
From 1688 onwards the Margraves of Brandenburg-Schwedt were a side branch of the House of Hohenzollern. The [[Margraviate of Brandenburg-Schwedt]] although never was a principality with allodial rights in its own right.
+
From 1688 onwards the Margraves of Brandenburg-Schwedt were a side branch of the House of Hohenzollern. The Margraviate of Brandenburg-Schwedt although it was never a principality with in its own right.
  
{{main|Margraves of Brandenburg-Schwedt|l1=Brandenburg-Schwedt}}
+
* 1688-1711 : Philip William]], Prince in Prussia, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt (son of Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg)
 
+
* 1731-1771 : Frederick William, Prince in Prussia, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt (son of)
* 1688-1711 : [[Philipp Wilhelm (Brandenburg-Schwedt)|Philip William]], Prince in Prussia, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt (son of [[Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg]])
+
* 1771–1788 : Henry Frederick, Prince in Prussia, Margrave of Brandenburg Schwedt (son of)
* 1731-1771 : [[Friedrich Wilhelm (Brandenburg-Schwedt)|Frederick William]], Prince in Prussia, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt (son of)
 
* 1771–1788 : [[Friedrich Heinrich (Brandenburg-Schwedt)|Henry Frederick]], Prince in Prussia, Margrave of Brandenburg Schwedt (son of)
 
  
 
In 1788 the title was incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia.
 
In 1788 the title was incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia.
Line 202: Line 174:
 
===Dukes of Prussia (1525-1701)===
 
===Dukes of Prussia (1525-1701)===
 
[[Image:POL Prusy książęce COA.svg|75px|right]]
 
[[Image:POL Prusy książęce COA.svg|75px|right]]
In 1525 the [[Duchy of Prussia]] was established as a [[fief]] of the [[King of Poland]].
+
In 1525 the Duchy of Prussia was established as a fief of the King of [[Poland]].
  
 
[[Image:Map-Prussia-ProvPrussia.svg|thumb|left|175px|Prussia region of Germany and Poland.]]
 
[[Image:Map-Prussia-ProvPrussia.svg|thumb|left|175px|Prussia region of Germany and Poland.]]
{{main|List of rulers of Prussia|l1=Dukes of Prussia}}
+
 
* 1525–1568: [[Albert I, Duke of Prussia|Albert I]]
+
* 1525–1568: Albert I  
* 1568–1618: [[Albert Frederick, Duke of Prussia|Albert II Frederick]] co-inheritor (son of)
+
* 1568–1618: Albert II Frederick co-inheritor (son of)
* 1568–1571: [[Joachim II|Joachim I/II Hector]] co-inheritor  (also Elector of Brandenburg)
+
* 1568–1571: Joachim II co-inheritor  (also Elector of Brandenburg)
** 1578–1603: [[George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach|George Frederick I/I/I/I]] (Regent, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf)
+
** 1578–1603: George Frederick I (Regent, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf)
** 1603–1608: [[Joachim Frederick, Elector of Brandenburg|Joachim I/I/III Frederick]] (Regent, also Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf and Elector of Brandenburg)
+
** 1603–1608: Joachim I/I/III Frederick (Regent, also Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf and Elector of Brandenburg)
** 1608–1618: [[John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg|John I/III Sigismund]] (Regent, also Elector of Brandenburg)
+
** 1608–1618: John I/III Sigismund (Regent, also Elector of Brandenburg)
* 1618–1619: [[John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg|John I/III Sigismund]] (Regent, also Elector of Brandenburg)
+
* 1618–1619: John I/III Sigismund (Regent, also Elector of Brandenburg)
* 1619–1640: [[George William, Elector of Brandenburg|George William I/I]] (son of, also Elector of Brandenburg)
+
* 1619–1640: George William I/I (son of, also Elector of Brandenburg)
* 1640–1688: [[Friedrich Wilhelm I of Brandenburg|Frederick I/III William the Great]] (son of, also Elector of Brandenburg)
+
* 1640–1688: Frederick I/III William the Great (son of, also Elector of Brandenburg)
* 1688–1701: [[Frederick I of Prussia|Frederick II/IV/I]] (also Elector of Brandenburg and King in Prussia)
+
* 1688–1701: Frederick II/IV/I (also Elector of Brandenburg and King in Prussia)
  
 
From 1701 the title of Duke of Prussia was attached to the title of King in and of Prussia.
 
From 1701 the title of Duke of Prussia was attached to the title of King in and of Prussia.
Line 221: Line 193:
 
===Kings in Prussia (1701-1772)===
 
===Kings in Prussia (1701-1772)===
 
[[Image:Wappen Preußen.png|75px|right]]
 
[[Image:Wappen Preußen.png|75px|right]]
In 1701 the title of [[King in Prussia]] was granted, without the [[Duchy of Prussia]] being elevated to a Kingdom within the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. From 1701 onwards the titles of Duke of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg were always attached to the title of King in Prussia.
+
In 1701 the title of King in Prussia was granted, without the Duchy of Prussia being elevated to a Kingdom within the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. From 1701 onwards the titles of Duke of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg were always attached to the title of King in Prussia.
  
{{main|List of rulers of Prussia|l1=Kings in Prussia}}
+
* 1701–1713: Frederick I/II/IV (also Duke of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg)
 
+
* 1713–1740: Frederick William I (son of)
* 1701–1713: [[Frederick I of Prussia|Frederick I/II/IV]] (also Duke of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg)
+
* 1740–1786: Frederick II the Great (son of, later also King of Prussia)
* 1713–1740: [[Frederick William I of Prussia|Frederick William I]] (son of)
 
* 1740–1786: [[Frederick II of Prussia|Frederick II the Great]] (son of, later also King of Prussia)
 
  
 
In 1772 the Duchy of Prussia was elevated to a kingdom.
 
In 1772 the Duchy of Prussia was elevated to a kingdom.
Line 235: Line 205:
 
[[Image:Map-DB-PrussiaProvs-1818.svg|thumb|175px|left|Kingdom of Prussia in 1815.]]
 
[[Image:Map-DB-PrussiaProvs-1818.svg|thumb|175px|left|Kingdom of Prussia in 1815.]]
  
In 1772 the title of ''King of Prussia'' was granted with the establishment of the [[Kingdom of Prussia]]. From 1772 onwards the titles of Duke of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg were always attached to the title of King of Prussia.
+
In 1772 the title of ''King of Prussia'' was granted with the establishment of the Kingdom of Prussia. From 1772 onwards the titles of Duke of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg were always attached to the title of King of Prussia.
  
{{main|List of rulers of Prussia|l1=Kings of Prussia}}
+
* Frederick II the Great (1740–1786) (son of, before King in Prussia)
 
+
* Frederick William II (1786–1797) (nephew of)
*[[Frederick II of Prussia|Frederick II the Great]] (1740–1786) (son of, before [[King in Prussia]])
+
* Frederick William III (1797–1840) (son of)
*[[Frederick William II of Prussia|Frederick William II]] (1786–1797) (nephew of)
+
* Frederick William IV (1840–1861) (son of)
*[[Frederick William III of Prussia|Frederick William III]] (1797–1840) (son of)
+
* William I (1861–1888) (brother of)
*[[Frederick William IV of Prussia|Frederick William IV]] (1840–1861) (son of)
+
* Frederick III (1888) (son of)
*[[William I, German Emperor|William I]] (1861–1888) (brother of)
+
* William II (1888–1918) (son of)
*[[Frederick III, German Emperor|Frederick III]] (1888) (son of)
 
*[[William II, German Emperor|William II]] (1888–1918) (son of)
 
  
 
In 1871 the Kingdom of Prussia was a constituting member of the [[German Empire]].
 
In 1871 the Kingdom of Prussia was a constituting member of the [[German Empire]].
Line 255: Line 223:
 
====Reigning (1871-1918)====
 
====Reigning (1871-1918)====
  
In 1871 the [[German empire]] was proclaimed. With the accession of William I to the newly-established imperial German throne, the titles of King of Prussia, Duke of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg were always attached to the title of German Emperor.
+
In 1871 the German empire was proclaimed. With the accession of William I to the newly-established imperial German throne, the titles of King of Prussia, Duke of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg were always attached to the title of German Emperor.
  
{{main|List of German Kings and Emperors}}
+
* 1871–1888: William I (also King of Prussia)
 
+
* 1888: Frederick III (son of, also King of Prussia)
* 1871–1888: [[William I, German Emperor|William I]] (also King of Prussia)
+
* 1888–1918: William II (grandson of, also King of Prussia)
* 1888: [[Frederick III, German Emperor|Frederick III]] (son of, also King of Prussia)
 
* 1888–1918: [[William II, German Emperor|William II]] (grandson of, also King of Prussia)
 
  
 
In 1918 the German empire was abolished and replaced by the [[Weimar Republic]].
 
In 1918 the German empire was abolished and replaced by the [[Weimar Republic]].
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====Pretenders (1918 until today)====
 
====Pretenders (1918 until today)====
 
[[Image:Georg Friedrich Prinz von Preussen.jpg|thumb|Prince Georg Friedrich head of the House of Hohenzollern]]
 
[[Image:Georg Friedrich Prinz von Preussen.jpg|thumb|Prince Georg Friedrich head of the House of Hohenzollern]]
The House of Hohenzollern never relinquished their claims to the thrones of Prussia and the German Empire. At present, the claims are not recognised by the [[Federal Republic of Germany]].
+
The House of Hohenzollern never relinquished their claims to the thrones of Prussia and the German Empire. At present, the claims are not recognized by the Federal Republic of Germany.
  
 
===House of Hohenzollern===
 
===House of Hohenzollern===
{{Main|Line of succession to the German throne}}
 
 
Since the death of William II in 1941, last reigning king and emperor and thereafter head of the House of Hohenzollern, he was succeeded by:
 
Since the death of William II in 1941, last reigning king and emperor and thereafter head of the House of Hohenzollern, he was succeeded by:
  
* 1941–1951: [[Wilhelm, German Crown Prince|Crown Prince William]]
+
* 1941–1951: Wilhelm, German Crown Prince
* 1951–1994: [[Louis Ferdinand, Prince of Prussia|Prince Louis Ferdinand]]
+
* 1951–1994: Louis Ferdinand, Prince of Prussia
* 1994–present: [[Georg Friedrich, Prince of Prussia|Prince George Frederick]]
+
* 1994–present: Prince George Frederick
* [[heir presumptive]] : [[Prince Christian-Sigismund of Prussia]]
+
* heir presumptive : Prince Christian-Sigismund of Prussia
  
The head of the house is the titular King of Prussia and German Empire. He also bears a historical claim to the title of [[prince of Orange]]. Members of this line style themselves princes of Prussia.
+
The head of the house is the titular King of Prussia and German Empire. He also bears a historical claim to the title of prince of Orange. Members of this line style themselves princes of Prussia.
  
 
==Swabian junior branch==
 
==Swabian junior branch==
 
[[Image:Schloss Sigmaringen Wappen.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Combined coat of arms of the House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (1849).]]
 
[[Image:Schloss Sigmaringen Wappen.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Combined coat of arms of the House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (1849).]]
  
The junior Swabian branch of the House of Hohenzollern was founded by '''[[Frederick IV, Burgrave of Nuremberg]]'''.
+
The junior Swabian branch of the House of Hohenzollern was founded by '''Frederick IV, Burgrave of Nuremberg'''.
  
Ruling the minor German principalities of [[Hechingen]], [[Sigmaringen]] and [[Haigerloch]], this branch of the family decided to remain [[Roman Catholic]] and from 1567 onwards split into the [[Hohenzollern-Hechingen]], [[Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen]] and [[Hohenzollern-Haigerloch]] branches. When the last count of Hohenzollern, [[Karl I of Hohenzollern|Charles I of Hohenzollern]] (1512-1579) died, the territory was to be divided up between his three sons:
+
Ruling the minor German principalities of Hechingen, Sigmaringen and Haigerloch, this branch of the family decided to remain [[Roman Catholic]] and from 1567 onwards split into the Hohenzollern-Hechingen, Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen and Hohenzollern-Haigerloch branches. When the last count of Hohenzollern, Charles I of Hohenzollern (1512-1579) died, the territory was to be divided up between his three sons:
* [[Eitel Friedrich IV of Hohenzollern-Hechingen|Eitel Frederick IV of Hohenzollern-Hechingen]] (1545–1605)  
+
* Eitel Frederick IV of Hohenzollern-Hechingen (1545–1605)  
* [[Charles II, Count of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen|Charles II of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen]] (1547–1606)  
+
* Charles II of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (1547–1606)  
* [[Christoph of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch]] (1552–1592)
+
* Christoph of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch (1552–1592)
  
They never expanded from these three [[Swabia]]n principalities, which was one of the reasons they became relatively unimportant in German history for much of their existence. However, they kept royal lineage and married members of the great royal European houses.
+
They never expanded from these three Swabi]n principalities, which was one of the reasons they became relatively unimportant in German history for much of their existence. However, they kept royal lineage and married members of the great royal European houses.
  
In 1767 the principality of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch was incorporated in the other two principalities. In 1850, the princes of both Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen abdicated their thrones, and their principalities were incorporated as the Prussian  [[province of Hohenzollern]].
+
In 1767 the principality of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch was incorporated in the other two principalities. In 1850, the princes of both Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen abdicated their thrones, and their principalities were incorporated as the Prussian  province of Hohenzollern.  
  
 
The last ruling Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, [[Karl Anton, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen|Karl Anton]], would later serve as Minister-President of Prussia between 1858 and 1862.
 
The last ruling Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, [[Karl Anton, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen|Karl Anton]], would later serve as Minister-President of Prussia between 1858 and 1862.
  
The Hohenzollern-Hechingen finally became extinct in 1869. A descendent of this branch was [[Sophie Chotek]], wife of [[Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria|Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria-Este]].  
+
The Hohenzollern-Hechingen finally became extinct in 1869. A descendent of this branch was Sophie Chotek, wife of [[Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria|Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria-Este]].  
  
However, a member of the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen family, [[Carol I of Romania|Charles Eitel]], second son of prince [[Karl Anton, Prince of Hohenzollern|Karl Anton]], was chosen to become [[prince of Romania]] as [[Carol I of Romania|Charles I]] in 1866. In 1881 Charles I became the first [[Romania|king of the Romanians]].
+
However, a member of the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen family, [[Carol I of Romania|Charles Eitel]], second son of prince Karl Anton, was chosen to become prince of Romania as Charles I in 1866. In 1881 Charles I became the first [[Romania|king of the Romanians]].  
  
Charles' older brother, Leopold, was offered the Spanish throne after a revolt removed queen [[Isabella II of Spain|Isabella II]] in 1870. Although encouraged by [[Bismarck]] to accept it, Leopold backed down once France's Emperor, [[Napoleon III]], stated his objection. Despite this, France still declared war, beginning the [[Franco-Prussian war]].  
+
Charles' older brother, Leopold, was offered the Spanish throne after a revolt removed queen [[Isabella II of Spain|Isabella II]] in 1870. Although encouraged by [[Otto von Bismarck]] to accept it, Leopold backed down once France's Emperor, [[Napoleon III]], stated his objection. Despite this, France still declared war, beginning the [[Franco-Prussian war]].  
  
Charles I had no children of his own, so Leopold's younger son [[Ferdinand I of Romania|Ferdinand I]] would succeed his uncle as king of the Romanians in 1906, and his descendants continued to rule in Romania until the end of the monarchy in 1947.
+
Charles I had no children of his own, so Leopold's younger son [[Ferdinand I of Romania|Ferdinand I]] would succeed his uncle as king of the Romanians in 1906, and his descendants continued to rule in Romania until the end of the monarchy in 1947.  
  
Today this branch is represented only by the last king, [[Michael I of Romania|Michael]], and his daughters. The descendants of Leopold's oldest son William continue to use the titles of prince or princess of Hohenzollern.
+
Today this branch is represented only by the last king, [[Michael I of Romania|Michael]], and his daughters. The descendants of Leopold's oldest son William continue to use the titles of prince or princess of Hohenzollern.
  
 
===Counts of Hohenzollern (1204-1575)===
 
===Counts of Hohenzollern (1204-1575)===
 
[[Image:Hohenzollern-herb-rodowy.jpg|75px|right]]
 
[[Image:Hohenzollern-herb-rodowy.jpg|75px|right]]
[[Image:Map-Prussia-Hohenzollern.svg|thumb|175px|Hohenzollern region, now in [[Württemberg]], [[Germany]]]]
+
[[Image:Map-Prussia-Hohenzollern.svg|thumb|175px|Hohenzollern region, now in Württemberg, Germany]]
{{main|Zollern|l1=County of Hohenzollern}}
 
  
In 1204, the [[County of Hohenzollern]] was established out of the fusion of the [[County of Zollern]] and the [[Burgraviate of Nuremberg]].
+
In 1204, the County of Hohenzollern was established out of the fusion of the County of Zollern and the Burgraviate of Nuremberg.
  
* 1204–1251/1255: [[Frederick IV, Burgrave of Nuremberg|Frederick IV/II]], also [[Burgrave of Nuremberg]]
+
* 1204–1251/1255: Frederick IV/II, also Burgrave of Nuremberg
* 1251/1255–1289: [[Frederick V, Burgrave of Nuremberg|Frederick V]], also Burgrave of Nuremberg
+
* 1251/1255–1289: Frederick V, also Burgrave of Nuremberg
* 1289–1298: [[Frederick I, Elector of Brandenburg|Frederick VI/I]], also [[Elector of Brandenburg]]
+
* 1289–1298: Frederick VI/I, also [[Elector of Brandenburg]]
* 1298–1309: [[Frederick II, Elector of Brandenburg|Frederick VII/II]], also Elector of Brandenburg
+
* 1298–1309: Frederick VII/II, also Elector of Brandenburg
* 1309–1333: [[Friedrich VIII, Count of Zollern|Frederick VIII]]
+
* 1309–1333: Frederick VIII  
* 1333–1377: [[Friedrich IX, Count of Hohenzollern|Frederick IX]]
+
* 1333–1377: Frederick IX  
* 1377–1401: [[Friedrich XI, Count of Hohenzollern|Frederick XI]]
+
* 1377–1401: Frederick XI  
* 1401–1426: [[Friedrich XII, Count of Hohenzollern|Frederick XII]]
+
* 1401–1426: Frederick XII
* 1426–1439: [[Eitel Frederick I, Count of Hohenzollern|Eitel Frederick I]]
+
* 1426–1439: Eitel Frederick I  
* 1439–1488: [[Jobst Nikolaus I, Count of Hohenzollern|Jobst Nikolaus I]]
+
* 1439–1488: Jobst Nikolaus I  
* 1488–1512: [[Eitel Frederick II, Count of Hohenzollern|Eitel Frederick II]]
+
* 1488–1512: Eitel Frederick II  
* 1512–1525: [[Eitel Frederick III, Count of Hohenzollern|Eitel Frederick III]]
+
* 1512–1525: Eitel Frederick III  
* 1525–1575: [[Charles I, Count of Hohenzollern|Charles I]]
+
* 1525–1575: Charles I  
  
In 1575 the County of Hohenzollern was split in two Counties with [[allodial]] rights, [[Hohenzollern-Hechingen]] and [[Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen]].
+
In 1575 the County of Hohenzollern was split in two Counties, Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.
  
 
===Counts of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch (1567-1630 and 1681-1767)===
 
===Counts of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch (1567-1630 and 1681-1767)===
 
[[Image:Wappen Haigerloch.png|right|75px]]
 
[[Image:Wappen Haigerloch.png|right|75px]]
  
The [[County of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch]] was established in 1567 without allodial rights
+
The County of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch was established in 1567 without allodial rights
  
{{main|House of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch|l1=House of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch}}
 
  
* 1575-1601 : [[Christoph of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch]]  
+
* 1575-1601 : Christoph of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch   
* 1601-1623 : [[Johann Christoph of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch]]
+
* 1601-1623 : Johann Christoph of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch  
* 1601-1630 : [[Johann of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch]]  
+
* 1601-1630 : Johann of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch   
  
 
Between 1630 and 1681 the county was temporarly integrated into the Margraviate of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.
 
Between 1630 and 1681 the county was temporarly integrated into the Margraviate of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.
  
* 1681-1702: [[Francis Anthony of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch]]
+
* 1681-1702: Francis Anthony of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch  
* 1702-1750: [[Ferdinand Anthony of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch]]
+
* 1702-1750: Ferdinand Anthony of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch
* 1750-1767: [[Francis Christoph Anthony of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch]]
+
* 1750-1767: Francis Christoph Anthony of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch
  
 
With the death of Francis Christoph Anthony, the county of Hohenzollern-Haigenloch was definitely absorbed into the principality of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen in 1767.
 
With the death of Francis Christoph Anthony, the county of Hohenzollern-Haigenloch was definitely absorbed into the principality of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen in 1767.
Line 353: Line 316:
  
 
The [[County of Hohenzollern-Hechingen]] was established in 1576 with allodial rights.
 
The [[County of Hohenzollern-Hechingen]] was established in 1576 with allodial rights.
 
{{main|Hohenzollern-Hechingen|l1=Hohenzollern-Hechingen}}
 
  
 
* Eitel Friedrich IV (1576-1605)  
 
* Eitel Friedrich IV (1576-1605)  
Line 372: Line 333:
 
[[Image:Kreis-sigmaringen-altes-wappen.png|75px|right]]
 
[[Image:Kreis-sigmaringen-altes-wappen.png|75px|right]]
  
The [[County of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen]] was established in 1576 with allodial rights.
+
The County of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen was established in 1576 with allodial rights.
  
{{main|Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen|l1=Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen}}
+
* Karl II (1576&ndash;1606)
 
 
* [[Charles II, Count of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen|Karl II]] (1576&ndash;1606)
 
 
* Johann I (1606&ndash;1623) (also Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen)
 
* Johann I (1606&ndash;1623) (also Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen)
 
* Johann II (1623&ndash;1638) (also Count of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen)
 
* Johann II (1623&ndash;1638) (also Count of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen)
Line 385: Line 344:
 
* Karl Friedrich (1769&ndash;1785)
 
* Karl Friedrich (1769&ndash;1785)
 
* Anton Aloys (1785&ndash;1831)
 
* Anton Aloys (1785&ndash;1831)
* [[Karl III, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen|Karl III]] (1831&ndash;1848)
+
* Karl III (1831&ndash;1848)
* [[Karl Anton, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen|Karl Anton]] (1848&ndash;1849)
+
* Karl Anton (1848&ndash;1849)
  
In 1850 the principality was sold to the Franconian branch of the family and incorporated into the kingdom of Prussia. Since then the family continue to use the princely title of ''Fürsten von Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen'' until 1869 and ''Fürsten von Hohenzollern'' until today.
+
In 1850 the principality was sold to the Franconian branch of the family and incorporated into the kingdom of Prussia. Since then the family continue to use the princely title of ''Fürsten von Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen'' until 1869 and ''Fürsten von Hohenzollern'' until today.
  
 
===Kings of the Romanians===
 
===Kings of the Romanians===
 
[[Image:Kingdom of Romania - Small CoA.svg|75px|right]]
 
[[Image:Kingdom of Romania - Small CoA.svg|75px|right]]
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Rom1878-1913.png|thumb|left|175px|Rumania (1878-1913).]] —>
 
  
 
====Reigning (1866-1947)====
 
====Reigning (1866-1947)====
  
The [[Principality of Romania]] was established in 1862, after the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] vassal states of [[Wallachia]] and [[Moldavia]] had been united in 1859 under [[Alexander John Cuza]] as [[Prince of Romania]] in a [[personal union]].
+
The [[Principality of Romania]] was established in 1862, after the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] vassal states of [[Wallachia]] and [[Moldavia]] had been united in 1859 under Alexander John Cuza as Prince of Romania in a personal union.  
  
He was deposed in 1866 by the Romanian parliament which then invited a [[Germany|German]] prince of the [[Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen]] family, [[Carol (Charles) of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen|Charles]], to become the new Prince of Romania.
+
He was deposed in 1866 by the Romanian parliament which then invited a German prince of the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen family, Carol, to become the new Prince of Romania.  
  
In 1881 the Principality of Romania was proclaimed a [[Kingdom of Romania|Kingdom]].
+
In 1881 the Principality of Romania was proclaimed a Kingdom.
  
{{main|kings of Romania|l1=Kings of the Romanians}}
 
  
* 1866–1914: [[Charles I of Romania|Charles I]] (also Prince of Romania)
 
* 1914–1927: [[Ferdinand of Romania|Ferdinand]]
 
* 1927–1930: [[Michael I of Romania|Michael I]]
 
* 1930–1940: [[Charles II of Romania|Charles II]]
 
* 1940–1947: [[Michael I of Romania|Michael I]]
 
  
In 1947 the Kingdom of Romania was abolished and replaced with the [[Communist Romania|People's Republic of Romania]].
+
* 1866–1914: Charles I (also Prince of Romania)
 +
* 1914–1927: Ferdinand
 +
* 1927–1930: Michael I
 +
* 1930–1940: Charles II
 +
* 1940–1947: Michael I
 +
 
 +
In 1947 the Kingdom of Romania was abolished and replaced with the [[communism|People's Republic of Romania]].
  
 
====Succession (1947 until today)====
 
====Succession (1947 until today)====
  
King Michael has retained his claim on the Romanian throne. At present, the claim is not recognised by [[Romania]], a republic.
+
King Michael has retained his claim on the Romanian throne. At present, the claim is not recognised by [[Romania]], a republic.
 
 
{{main|Line of succession to the Romanian throne}}
 
  
 
===House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen===
 
===House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen===
  
The princely House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen never relinquished their claims to the princely throne of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen or the royal throne of Romania. Because the last reigning king of the Romanians, Michael I, has no male issue, upon his death the claim will devolve to the head of the House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.
+
The princely House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen never relinquished their claims to the princely throne of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen or the royal throne of Romania. Because the last reigning king of the Romanians, Michael I, has no male issue, upon his death the claim will devolve to the head of the House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.
  
{{main|Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen|l1=House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen}}
+
* 1849-1885: Karl Anton, Prince of Hohenzollern
 
+
* 1885-1905: Leopold, Prince of Hohenzollern  
* 1849-1885: [[Karl Anton, Prince of Hohenzollern]]
+
* 1905-1927: Wilhelm, Prince of Hohenzollern]
* 1885-1905: [[Leopold, Prince of Hohenzollern]]
+
* 1927-1965: Friedrich, Prince of Hohenzollern  
* 1905-1927: [[Wilhelm, Prince of Hohenzollern]]  
+
* 1965-present : Friedrich Wilhelm, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen  
* 1927-1965: [[Friedrich, Prince of Hohenzollern]]
+
* heir apparent : Karl Friedrich, Hereditary Prince of Hohenzollern  
* 1965-present : [[Friedrich Wilhelm, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen]]
 
* [[heir apparent]] : [[Karl Friedrich, Hereditary Prince of Hohenzollern]]
 
  
 
The head of the family is styled ''His Serene Highness'' The Prince of Hohenzollern.
 
The head of the family is styled ''His Serene Highness'' The Prince of Hohenzollern.
  
==See also==
+
==Notes==
*[[Kings of Germany family tree]]. The Hohenzollerns were the 15th dynasty to rule Germany and were related by marriage to all the others.
+
{{reflist}}
  
* [[Coat of arms of Prussia]]
+
==References==
* [[Coat of arms of Germany]]
+
* Nelson, Walter Henry. 1971. ''The soldier kings: the house of Hohenzollern.'' London: Dent. ISBN 9780460039970
* [[Coat of arms of the House of Hohenzollern]]
+
* Nischan, Bodo. 1994. ''Prince, people, and confession: the Second Reformation in Brandenburg.'' Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. ISBN 9780812232424
* [[House Order of Hohenzollern]]
+
* Oppenheim, Walter. 1993. ''Habsburgs and Hohenzollerns 1713-1786.'' Access to history. London: Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 9780340550458.
* [[Heil dir im Siegerkranz]]
+
* Sulzberger, C. L. 1977. ''The fall of eagles.'' London: Hodder and Stoughton. 9780340216415.
* [[Order of the Black Eagle]] and [[Suum cuique|SUUM CUIQUE]]
 
* [[Order of the Red Eagle]] and [[Sincere et Constante|SINCERE ET CONSTANTE]] 
 
* [[Wilhelm-Orden]]
 
* [[Order of the Crown (Prussia)]] and [[Gott mit uns|GOTT MIT UNS]]
 
* [[Iron Cross]]
 
  
==References==
 
{{reflist}}
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
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* [http://genealogy.euweb.cz/hohz/hohenz1.html Genealogy of the Hohenzollerns from Genealogy.eu]
 
* [http://genealogy.euweb.cz/hohz/hohenz1.html Genealogy of the Hohenzollerns from Genealogy.eu]
  
{{start}}
 
{{s-royalhouse|House of Hohenzollern||12th century}}
 
|-
 
{{s-non|reason=[[German Empire|German unification]]}}
 
{{s-ttl|title=[[Dynasty|Ruling House]] of [[German Empire|Germany]]|years=[[18 January]] [[1871]] – [[9 November]] [[1918]]}}
 
{{s-vac|rows=2|reason=[[German Revolution|German monarchies abolished]]}}
 
|-
 
{{s-non|reason=Prussia established}}
 
{{s-ttl|title=[[Dynasty|Ruling House]] of [[Prussia]]|years=1525 – [[9 November]] [[1918]]}}
 
|-
 
{{s-non|reason=[[Kingdom of Romania|Romanian unification]]}}
 
{{s-ttl|title=[[Dynasty|Ruling House]] of [[Kingdom of Romania|Romania]]|years=[[26 March]] [[1881]] – [[30 December]] [[1947]]}}
 
{{s-vac|reason=[[Communist Romania|Romanian monarchy abolished]]}}
 
|-
 
{{end}}
 
 
{{Royal houses of Europe}}
 
 
[[Category:House of Hohenzollern|*]]
 
 
[[ar:بيت هوهنتسولرن]]
 
[[bs:Hoencolerni]]
 
[[ca:Dinastia dels Hohenzollern]]
 
[[cs:Hohenzollernové]]
 
[[da:Hohenzollern]]
 
[[de:Hohenzollern]]
 
[[et:Hohenzollernid]]
 
[[es:Dinastía Hohenzollern]]
 
[[eo:Hohencolernoj]]
 
[[fr:Hohenzollern]]
 
[[it:Hohenzollern]]
 
[[he:בית הוהנצולרן]]
 
[[lv:Hohencollernu dinastija]]
 
[[lt:Hohencolernai]]
 
[[hu:Hohenzollern-ház]]
 
[[nl:Hohenzollern]]
 
[[ja:ホーエンツォレルン家]]
 
[[no:Hohenzollern]]
 
[[pl:Hohenzollernowie]]
 
[[pt:Casa de Hohenzollern]]
 
[[ro:Hohenzollern]]
 
[[ru:Гогенцоллерны]]
 
[[sk:Hohenzollernovci]]
 
[[sr:Хоенцолерн]]
 
[[fi:Hohenzollern]]
 
[[sv:Hohenzollern]]
 
[[uk:Гогенцоллерни]]
 
[[zh:霍亨索伦王朝]]
 
  
 +
[[Category:History]]
 
{{Credit|239820659}}
 
{{Credit|239820659}}

Revision as of 22:03, 8 October 2008

Imperial coat of arms of Germany

The House of Hohenzollern is a noble family and royal dynasty of Prince-electors, kings, and emperors of Prussia, Germany, and Romania. It originated in the area around the town of Hechingen in Swabia during the 11th century. They took their name from their ancestral home, the Burg Hohenzollern castle.

The family uses the motto Nihil Sine Deo (English: Nothing Without God). The family coat of arms, first adopted in 1192, began as a simple shield quarterly sable and argent. The head and shoulders of a hound were added in 1317 by Frederick IV.[1] Later quartering incorporated other branches of the family.

The family split into two branches, the Catholic Swabian branch and Protestant Franconian branch. The Swabian branch ruled the area of Hechingen until their eventual extinction in 1869. The Franconian branch was comparatively more successful. Branches within the Franconian branch ascended the throne of Margravate of Brandenburg in 1415 and of the Duchy of Prussia]] in 1525. The union of these two Franconian branches in 1618 allowed the creation of the Kingdom of Prussia in 1701, the state which led the unification of Germany and the creation of the German Empire in 1871.

Social unrest at the end of World War I led to the German Revolution of 1918, with the subsequent formation of the Weimar Republic forcing the Hohenzollerns to abdicate, thus bringing an end to the modern German monarchy. The Treaty of Versailles in 1919 set the final terms for the dismantling of the German Empire. A member of the house ruled in Romania until 1947.

Origins

Counts of Zollern (before 1061 until 1204)

Hohenzollern-herb-rodowy.jpg

The oldest known mentioning of the Zollern dates from 1061. It was a countship, ruled by the counts of Zollern. The accepted origin of the counts of Zollern is that they are derived from the Burchardinger dynasty.

  • until 1061: Burkhard I, Count of Zollern
  • before 1125: Frederick I (son of)
  • circa 1142 : Frederick II (son of)
  • before 1171 - circa 1200: Frederick III/I (son of, also Burgrave of Nuremberg)

Count Frederick III of Zollern was a loyal retainer of the Holy Roman emperors Frederick Barbarossa and Henry VI and about 1185 he married Sophia of Raabs, the daughter of Conrad II, Burgrave of Nuremberg.

After the death of Conrad II, who left no male heirs, Frederick III was granted the burgraviate of Nuremberg in 1192 as burgrave Frederick I of Nuremberg-Zollern. Since then the family name became to be known as Hohenzollern.

After Frederick's death, his sons partitioned the family lands between themselves:

  • The youngest brother, Frederick IV, received the county of Zollern and burgraviate of Nuremberg in 1200 from his father, thereby founding the Swabian branch of the House of Hohenzollerns. The Swabian line remained Catholic.
  • The oldest brother, Conrad III, received the burgraviate of Nuremberg in 1218 from his younger brother Frederick IV, thereby founding the Franconian branch of the House of Hohenzollerns. The Franconian line later converted to Protestantism.

Franconian senior branch and Brandenburg-Prussian Branch

The senior Franconian branch of the House of Hohenzollern was founded by Conrad III, Burgrave of Nuremberg.

Beginning in the 16th century, this branch of the family became Protestant and decided on expansion through marriage and a purchase of surrounding lands.

The family were supporters of the rulers from the House of Hohenstaufen and the House of Habsburg of the Holy Roman Empire during the 12th to 15th centuries, by which they were rewarded with several territorial benefits.

In a first phase, the family gradually added to their lands, at first with many small acquisitions in the Franconian and Bavarian regions of Germany:

  • Ansbach in 1331
  • Kulmbach in 1340

In a second phase, the family expanded their lands further with large acquisitions in the Brandenburg and Prussian regions of Germany and Poland:

  • Margraviate of Brandenburg in 1417
  • Duchy of Prussia in 1618

These acquisitions were to eventually propel the Hohenzollerns from a minor German princely family into one of the most important in Europe.

Burgraves of Nuremberg (1192-1427)

Region of Nuremberg, Ansbach, Kulmbach and Bayreuth, (Franconia and Bavaria, Germany)
  • 1192–1200/1204: Frederick I/III (also count of Zollern)
  • 1204–1218: Frederick II of Nuremberg (son of, also count of Zollern)
  • 1218–1261/1262: Conrad I of Nuremberg (brother of, also count of Zollern)
  • 1262–1297: Frederick III of Nuremberg (son of)
  • 1297–1300: John I of Nuremberg (son of)
  • 1300–1332: Frederick IV of Nuremberg (brother of)
  • 1332–1357: John II of Nuremberg (son of)
  • 1357–1398: Frederick V of Nuremberg (son of)

At Frederick V's death on 21 January 1398 his lands were partitioned between his two sons:

  • 1398-1420: John III/I (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
  • 1420-1427: Frederick VI, (brother of, also Elector of Brandenburg and Margrave of Brandenburg-Asbach)

After John III/I's death on 11 June 1420, the two principalities were shortly reunited under Frederick VI. From 1412 Frederick VI became Margrave of Brandenburg as Frederick I and Elector of Brandenburg as Frederick I. From 1420 he became Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach. Upon his death on 21 September 1440, his territories were divided between his sons:

  • John II, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach
  • Frederick II, Elector of Brandenburg
  • Elector of Brandenburg and Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach

From 1427 onwards the title of Burgrave of Nuremberg was absorbed into the titles of Margrave of Brandenburg-Alsbach and Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach.

Margraves of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1398-1791)

Wappen von Ansbach.svg
  • 1398: Frederick I (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
  • 1440: Albert III, Margrave of Brandenburg (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Elector of Brandenburg)
  • 1486: Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
  • 1515: George, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (son of, also Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf)
  • 1543: George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach, Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf and Regent of Prussia)
  • 1603: Joachim Ernst, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach
  • 1625: Frederick II, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach
  • 1634: Albert, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach
  • 1667: John Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach
  • 1686: Christian Albrecht, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach
  • 1692: George Frederick II, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (later Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)
  • 1703: William Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (before 1686-1723)
  • 1723: Charles William Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1712-1757)
  • 1757: Christian Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (1757-1791) (son of, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach)

On 2 December 1791, Christian II Frederick sold the sovereignty of his principalities to king Frederick William II of Prussia.

Margraves of Brandenburg-Kulmbach (1398-1604), later Brandenburg-Bayreuth (1604-1791)

Wappen Kulmbach.jpg
Wappen von Bayreuth.png
  • 1397: John III, Burgrave of Nuremberg
  • 1420: Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach)
  • 1440: John, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach
  • 1457: Albert III, Margrave of Brandenburg (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach and Elector of Brandenburg)
  • 1464: Frederick II (also Elector of Brandenburg)
  • 1486: Siegmund
  • 1495: Frederick III/II (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach)
  • 1515: Casimir, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
  • 1527: Albert Alcibiades, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach
  • 1553: George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf and Regent of Prussia)
  • 1603: Christian, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
  • 1655: Christian Ernst, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
  • 1712: George William, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
  • 1726: George Frederick Charles, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth (previously Margrave of Kulmbach)
  • 1735: Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
  • 1763: Frederick Christian, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth
  • 1769: Christian Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (until 1791, also Margrave of brandenburg-Ansbach)

On 2 December 1791, Christian II Frederick sold the sovereignty of his principalities to king Frederick William II of Prussia.

Margraves and Electors of Brandenburg (1417-1806)

Brandenburg region of Germany.
Wappen Mark Brandenburg.png
Brandenburg,Electorate,1686.jpg
  • 1415-1440: Frederick I of Brandenburg (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Burgrave of Nuremberg)
  • 1440-1470: Frederick II, Elector of Brandenburg (son)
  • 1470-1486: Albert III Achilles, Elector of Brandenburg (brother) (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach)
  • 1486-1499: John Cicero, Elector of Brandenburg (son)
  • 1499-1535: Joachim I Nestor, Elector of Brandenburg (son)
  • 1535-1571: Joachim II Hector, Elector of Brandenburg (son)
  • 1571-1598: John George, Elector of Brandenburg (son)
  • 1598-1608: Joachim Frederick, Elector of Brandenburg (son, also Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf and Regent of Prussia)
  • 1608-1619: John Sigismund of Brandenburg (son, also duke of Prussia)
  • 1619-1640: George William of Brandenburg (son, also duke of Prussia)
  • 1640-1688: Frederick William of Brandenburg (son, also duke of Prussia)
  • 1688-1701: Frederick I of Prussia (son, also Duke of Prussia and King in Prussia)

From 1701 the title of Elector of Brandenburg was attached to the title of King in and of Prussia.

Dukes of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf (1523-1622)

Krnov znak.png

The Duchy of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf was purchased in 1523.

  • 1541–1543 : George, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach)
  • 1543–1603 : George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach (also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Regent of Prussia)
  • 1603–1606 : Joachim Friedrich (also Regent of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg)
  • 1606–1621 : Johann Georg of Hohenzollern

The duchy of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf was confiscated by Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor in 1622.

Margraves of Brandenburg-Küstrin (1535-1571)

Wappen Kuestrin-Kietz.png

The short-lived Margraviate of Brandenburg-Küstrin (principality) was set up, against the Hohenzollern house laws on succession, as a fief of the House of Hohenzollern, a typical German institution.

  • 1535–1571: Johan the Wis], Margrave of Brandenburg-Küstrin (son of Joachim I Nestor, Elector of Brandenburg)

He died without issue. The Margraviate of Brandenburg-Küstrin was absorbed in 1571 into the Margraviate and Electorate of Brandenburg.

Margraves of Brandenburg-Schwedt (1688-1788)

Wappen Schwedt.png

From 1688 onwards the Margraves of Brandenburg-Schwedt were a side branch of the House of Hohenzollern. The Margraviate of Brandenburg-Schwedt although it was never a principality with in its own right.

  • 1688-1711 : Philip William]], Prince in Prussia, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt (son of Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg)
  • 1731-1771 : Frederick William, Prince in Prussia, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt (son of)
  • 1771–1788 : Henry Frederick, Prince in Prussia, Margrave of Brandenburg Schwedt (son of)

In 1788 the title was incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia.

Dukes of Prussia (1525-1701)

POL Prusy książęce COA.svg

In 1525 the Duchy of Prussia was established as a fief of the King of Poland.

Prussia region of Germany and Poland.
  • 1525–1568: Albert I
  • 1568–1618: Albert II Frederick co-inheritor (son of)
  • 1568–1571: Joachim II co-inheritor (also Elector of Brandenburg)
    • 1578–1603: George Frederick I (Regent, also Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf)
    • 1603–1608: Joachim I/I/III Frederick (Regent, also Duke of Brandenburg-Jägerndorf and Elector of Brandenburg)
    • 1608–1618: John I/III Sigismund (Regent, also Elector of Brandenburg)
  • 1618–1619: John I/III Sigismund (Regent, also Elector of Brandenburg)
  • 1619–1640: George William I/I (son of, also Elector of Brandenburg)
  • 1640–1688: Frederick I/III William the Great (son of, also Elector of Brandenburg)
  • 1688–1701: Frederick II/IV/I (also Elector of Brandenburg and King in Prussia)

From 1701 the title of Duke of Prussia was attached to the title of King in and of Prussia.

Kings in Prussia (1701-1772)

Wappen Preußen.png

In 1701 the title of King in Prussia was granted, without the Duchy of Prussia being elevated to a Kingdom within the Holy Roman Empire. From 1701 onwards the titles of Duke of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg were always attached to the title of King in Prussia.

  • 1701–1713: Frederick I/II/IV (also Duke of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg)
  • 1713–1740: Frederick William I (son of)
  • 1740–1786: Frederick II the Great (son of, later also King of Prussia)

In 1772 the Duchy of Prussia was elevated to a kingdom.

Kings of Prussia (1772-1918)

Wappen Preußen.png
Kingdom of Prussia in 1815.

In 1772 the title of King of Prussia was granted with the establishment of the Kingdom of Prussia. From 1772 onwards the titles of Duke of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg were always attached to the title of King of Prussia.

  • Frederick II the Great (1740–1786) (son of, before King in Prussia)
  • Frederick William II (1786–1797) (nephew of)
  • Frederick William III (1797–1840) (son of)
  • Frederick William IV (1840–1861) (son of)
  • William I (1861–1888) (brother of)
  • Frederick III (1888) (son of)
  • William II (1888–1918) (son of)

In 1871 the Kingdom of Prussia was a constituting member of the German Empire.

German Kings and Emperors (1871-1918)

Wappen Deutsches Reich - Reichsadler 2.png
German empire in 1871.

Reigning (1871-1918)

In 1871 the German empire was proclaimed. With the accession of William I to the newly-established imperial German throne, the titles of King of Prussia, Duke of Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg were always attached to the title of German Emperor.

  • 1871–1888: William I (also King of Prussia)
  • 1888: Frederick III (son of, also King of Prussia)
  • 1888–1918: William II (grandson of, also King of Prussia)

In 1918 the German empire was abolished and replaced by the Weimar Republic.

Pretenders (1918 until today)

Prince Georg Friedrich head of the House of Hohenzollern

The House of Hohenzollern never relinquished their claims to the thrones of Prussia and the German Empire. At present, the claims are not recognized by the Federal Republic of Germany.

House of Hohenzollern

Since the death of William II in 1941, last reigning king and emperor and thereafter head of the House of Hohenzollern, he was succeeded by:

  • 1941–1951: Wilhelm, German Crown Prince
  • 1951–1994: Louis Ferdinand, Prince of Prussia
  • 1994–present: Prince George Frederick
  • heir presumptive : Prince Christian-Sigismund of Prussia

The head of the house is the titular King of Prussia and German Empire. He also bears a historical claim to the title of prince of Orange. Members of this line style themselves princes of Prussia.

Swabian junior branch

Combined coat of arms of the House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (1849).

The junior Swabian branch of the House of Hohenzollern was founded by Frederick IV, Burgrave of Nuremberg.

Ruling the minor German principalities of Hechingen, Sigmaringen and Haigerloch, this branch of the family decided to remain Roman Catholic and from 1567 onwards split into the Hohenzollern-Hechingen, Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen and Hohenzollern-Haigerloch branches. When the last count of Hohenzollern, Charles I of Hohenzollern (1512-1579) died, the territory was to be divided up between his three sons:

  • Eitel Frederick IV of Hohenzollern-Hechingen (1545–1605)
  • Charles II of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (1547–1606)
  • Christoph of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch (1552–1592)

They never expanded from these three Swabi]n principalities, which was one of the reasons they became relatively unimportant in German history for much of their existence. However, they kept royal lineage and married members of the great royal European houses.

In 1767 the principality of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch was incorporated in the other two principalities. In 1850, the princes of both Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen abdicated their thrones, and their principalities were incorporated as the Prussian province of Hohenzollern.

The last ruling Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, Karl Anton, would later serve as Minister-President of Prussia between 1858 and 1862.

The Hohenzollern-Hechingen finally became extinct in 1869. A descendent of this branch was Sophie Chotek, wife of Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria-Este.

However, a member of the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen family, Charles Eitel, second son of prince Karl Anton, was chosen to become prince of Romania as Charles I in 1866. In 1881 Charles I became the first king of the Romanians.

Charles' older brother, Leopold, was offered the Spanish throne after a revolt removed queen Isabella II in 1870. Although encouraged by Otto von Bismarck to accept it, Leopold backed down once France's Emperor, Napoleon III, stated his objection. Despite this, France still declared war, beginning the Franco-Prussian war.

Charles I had no children of his own, so Leopold's younger son Ferdinand I would succeed his uncle as king of the Romanians in 1906, and his descendants continued to rule in Romania until the end of the monarchy in 1947.

Today this branch is represented only by the last king, Michael, and his daughters. The descendants of Leopold's oldest son William continue to use the titles of prince or princess of Hohenzollern.

Counts of Hohenzollern (1204-1575)

Hohenzollern-herb-rodowy.jpg
Hohenzollern region, now in Württemberg, Germany

In 1204, the County of Hohenzollern was established out of the fusion of the County of Zollern and the Burgraviate of Nuremberg.

  • 1204–1251/1255: Frederick IV/II, also Burgrave of Nuremberg
  • 1251/1255–1289: Frederick V, also Burgrave of Nuremberg
  • 1289–1298: Frederick VI/I, also Elector of Brandenburg
  • 1298–1309: Frederick VII/II, also Elector of Brandenburg
  • 1309–1333: Frederick VIII
  • 1333–1377: Frederick IX
  • 1377–1401: Frederick XI
  • 1401–1426: Frederick XII
  • 1426–1439: Eitel Frederick I
  • 1439–1488: Jobst Nikolaus I
  • 1488–1512: Eitel Frederick II
  • 1512–1525: Eitel Frederick III
  • 1525–1575: Charles I

In 1575 the County of Hohenzollern was split in two Counties, Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.

Counts of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch (1567-1630 and 1681-1767)

Wappen Haigerloch.png

The County of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch was established in 1567 without allodial rights


  • 1575-1601 : Christoph of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch
  • 1601-1623 : Johann Christoph of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch
  • 1601-1630 : Johann of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch

Between 1630 and 1681 the county was temporarly integrated into the Margraviate of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.

  • 1681-1702: Francis Anthony of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch
  • 1702-1750: Ferdinand Anthony of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch
  • 1750-1767: Francis Christoph Anthony of Hohenzollern-Haigerloch

With the death of Francis Christoph Anthony, the county of Hohenzollern-Haigenloch was definitely absorbed into the principality of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen in 1767.

Counts, later Princes of Hohenzollern-Hechingen (1576-1623-1850)

Wappen Landkreis Hechingen.png

The County of Hohenzollern-Hechingen was established in 1576 with allodial rights.

  • Eitel Friedrich IV (1576-1605)
  • Johann Georg (1605-1623) (also prince of Hohenzollern-Hechingen)
  • Eitel Friedrich V (1623-1661) (also count of Hohenzollern-Hechingen)
  • Philipp Christoph Friedrich (1661-1671)
  • Friedrich Wilhelm (1671-1735)
  • Friedrich Ludwig (1735-1750)
  • Josef Friedrich Wilhelm (1750-1798)
  • Hermann (1798-1810)
  • Friedrich (1810-1838)
  • Konstantin (1838-1850)

In 1850 the principality was sold to the Franconian branch of the family and incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia. The branch became extinct in dynastic line with Konstantin's death in 1869.

Counts, later Princes of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (1576-1623-1849)

Kreis-sigmaringen-altes-wappen.png

The County of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen was established in 1576 with allodial rights.

  • Karl II (1576–1606)
  • Johann I (1606–1623) (also Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen)
  • Johann II (1623–1638) (also Count of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen)
  • Meinrad I (1638–1681)
  • Maximilian (1681–1689)
  • Meinrad II (1689–1715)
  • Joseph Franz Ernst (1715–1769)
  • Karl Friedrich (1769–1785)
  • Anton Aloys (1785–1831)
  • Karl III (1831–1848)
  • Karl Anton (1848–1849)

In 1850 the principality was sold to the Franconian branch of the family and incorporated into the kingdom of Prussia. Since then the family continue to use the princely title of Fürsten von Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen until 1869 and Fürsten von Hohenzollern until today.

Kings of the Romanians

File:Kingdom of Romania - Small CoA.svg

Reigning (1866-1947)

The Principality of Romania was established in 1862, after the Ottoman vassal states of Wallachia and Moldavia had been united in 1859 under Alexander John Cuza as Prince of Romania in a personal union.

He was deposed in 1866 by the Romanian parliament which then invited a German prince of the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen family, Carol, to become the new Prince of Romania.

In 1881 the Principality of Romania was proclaimed a Kingdom.


  • 1866–1914: Charles I (also Prince of Romania)
  • 1914–1927: Ferdinand
  • 1927–1930: Michael I
  • 1930–1940: Charles II
  • 1940–1947: Michael I

In 1947 the Kingdom of Romania was abolished and replaced with the People's Republic of Romania.

Succession (1947 until today)

King Michael has retained his claim on the Romanian throne. At present, the claim is not recognised by Romania, a republic.

House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen

The princely House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen never relinquished their claims to the princely throne of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen or the royal throne of Romania. Because the last reigning king of the Romanians, Michael I, has no male issue, upon his death the claim will devolve to the head of the House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.

  • 1849-1885: Karl Anton, Prince of Hohenzollern
  • 1885-1905: Leopold, Prince of Hohenzollern
  • 1905-1927: Wilhelm, Prince of Hohenzollern]
  • 1927-1965: Friedrich, Prince of Hohenzollern
  • 1965-present : Friedrich Wilhelm, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen
  • heir apparent : Karl Friedrich, Hereditary Prince of Hohenzollern

The head of the family is styled His Serene Highness The Prince of Hohenzollern.

Notes

  1. Smith, Stephen Lee and Vogdes, Walter B. 2002. A Royal Student Stein. Stein Collectors International, Stein of the Month. May. Retrieved October 8, 2008.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Nelson, Walter Henry. 1971. The soldier kings: the house of Hohenzollern. London: Dent. ISBN 9780460039970
  • Nischan, Bodo. 1994. Prince, people, and confession: the Second Reformation in Brandenburg. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. ISBN 9780812232424
  • Oppenheim, Walter. 1993. Habsburgs and Hohenzollerns 1713-1786. Access to history. London: Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 9780340550458.
  • Sulzberger, C. L. 1977. The fall of eagles. London: Hodder and Stoughton. 9780340216415.


External links

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