Johann Ludwig II, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst

Johann Ludwig II, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst (23 June 1688, in Dornburg – 5 November 1746, in Zerbst), was a German prince of the House of Ascania and ruler of the principality of Anhalt-Dornburg. After 1742 he became ruler over the principality of Anhalt-Zerbst.[1]

Johann Ludwig II
Tenure1704–1746
Born23 June 1688
Dornburg,
Principality of Anhalt-Dornburg
Died5 November 1746
Zerbst
Noble familyHouse of Ascania
FatherJohn Louis I
MotherChristine Eleonore of Zeutsch

He was the eldest son of John Louis I, Prince of Anhalt-Dornburg, by his wife Christine Eleonore of Zeutsch.

Life edit

He succeeded his father as prince of Anhalt-Dornburg in 1704 and ruled jointly with his brothers John Augustus (died 1709), Christian Augustus, Christian Louis (died 1710) and John Frederick (died 1742), but he had the Senoriat over all of them as first-born.

In 1720 he was appointed Oberlanddrostes of Jever and remained there for the next twenty-two years; during this time, he ordered the building of the Stadtkirche in Jever (which was finally inaugurated in 1736). After the death in 1742 of his cousin Prince John Augustus of Anhalt-Zerbst without heirs, he and his only surviving brother, Christian Augustus, took over the rule of the entire principality of Anhalt-Zerbst. In order to administer the principality, he had to return to Zerbst.

Johann Ludwig never married and died after only four years of rule. On his death, he was succeeded by his brother and co-ruler.

Preceded by Prince of Anhalt-Dornburg
1704 – 1746
With: John Augustus 1704–1709
Christian Augustus and Christian Louis 1704–1710
John Frederick 1704–1742
Succeeded by
Preceded by Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst
1742 – 1746
With: Christian Augustus

References edit

  1. ^ Owens, Samantha; Reul, Barbara M.; Stockigt, Janice B. (2015). Music at German Courts, 1715-1760: Changing Artistic Priorities. Boydell & Brewer. p. 272. ISBN 978-1-78327-058-3.