European Kingdoms

Saxe-Lauenburg (Saxony)
AD 1272 - 1305

At some point after 1272, John I and Albert III divided their Saxony between them. The duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg (or Saxe-Lauenberg in some sources) was formed in the west while Saxe-Wittenberg was formed in the east. The combined duchy was the seat of one of the prince-electors of the Holy Roman empire, so there was some conflict between the two divisions as to who should retain the position. In 1314 they were on opposite sides of a double election and eventually the Saxe-Wittenbergers under Rudolf II succeed in gaining the upper hand. To distinguish Rudolf from other, now lesser, dukes of Saxony, he adopted the title 'Elector of Saxony'.

Saxe-Lauenberg held two unconnected territories as part of its division of the duchy.

1272 - 1285

Former duke of Saxony (1260).

1285 - 1305

Son. Ruled Saxe-Mölln-Bergedorf from 1305.

1296 - 1305

Brother. Ruled jointly. Ruled Saxe-Ratzeburg from 1305.

1296 - 1305

Brother. Ruled jointly. Ruled Saxe-Ratzeburg from 1305.

1305

In 1305 the three brothers divide their territory into Saxe-Mölln-Bergedorf and Saxe-Ratzeburg.

Duchy of Saxe-Mölln-Bergedorf
AD 1305 - 1401

Saxe-Mölln-Bergedorf and Saxe-Ratzeburg were created in 1305 from a division of lands within the already-reduced duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg.

1305 - 1321

Former duke of Saxe-Lauenburg.

1321 - 1343

1343 - 1356

1356 - 1370

1370 - 1401

1401

This senior Lauenburg line becomes extinct with the death of Erich, and the territory is joined with that of Saxe-Ratzeburg.