George, Duke of Saxony (b. 1471)
George the Bearded, Duke of Saxony (Meissen, 27 August 1471 – Dresden, 17 April 1539), was Duke of Saxony from 1500 to 1539 known for his opposition to the Reformation. While the Ernestine line embraced Lutheranism, the Albertines (headed by George) were reluctant to do so. Despite George's efforts to avoid a succession by a Lutheran upon his death in 1539, he could not prevent it from happening. Under the Act of Settlement of 1499, Lutheran Henry IV became the new duke. Upon his accession, Henry introduced Lutheranism as a state religion in the Albertine lands of Saxony.
Duke George was a member of the Order of the Golden Fleece.
1539Apr, 17
George, Duke of Saxony
Choose Another Date
Events on 1539
- 27Apr
New Kingdom of Granada
Re-founding of the city of Bogotá, New Granada (now Colombia), by Nikolaus Federmann and Sebastián de Belalcázar. - 30May
Hernando de Soto
In Florida, Hernando de Soto lands at Tampa Bay with 600 soldiers with the goal of finding gold. - 10Jun
Pope Paul III
Council of Trent: Pope Paul III sends out letters to his bishops, delaying the Council due to war and the difficulty bishops had traveling to Venice.