The Division of Altenburg (German: Altenburger Teilung) was the plan for the division of the Meissen lands[1] agreed upon by the two hostile Wettin brothers Elector Frederick II of Saxony and William III on 16 July 1445 at Altenburg.[2] The brothers had attempted to reconcile, but eventually the division led the Saxon Fratricidal War (German: Sächsischer Bruderkrieg),[3] which began in 1446 and lasted for five years, until the Peace of Naumburg was negotiated in 1451.[3] Following the peace, the subsequent Treaty of Eger in 1459,[4] and the deaths of Frederick II and William III, the two sons of Frederick II eventually gained control of the land of both their father and William III.
- ^ In 1089, the Margraviate of Meissen became the honor of the house of Wettin's possessions and remained as such even after it had been incorporated into the electorate of Saxony in 1423.
- ^ Historische Commission bei der Königl. Akademie der Wissenschaften, p. 778.
- ^ a b Historische Commission bei der Königl. Akademie der Wissenschaften, p. 779.
- ^ The Treaty of Eger in westernmost Bohemia, between elector Frederick II, William III and the king of Bohemia, George of Podebrady, fixed the borders between Bohemia and Saxony.