Augustus, Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg
Augustus of Saxe-Lauenburg (Ratzeburg, 17 February 1577 – 18 January 1656, Lauenburg upon Elbe) was Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg between 1619 and 1656. He was a son of Duke Francis II and his first wife Margaret of Pomerania-Wolgast, daughter of Philip I, Duke of Pomerania-Wolgast. Since Augustus survived all his sons he was succeeded by his half-brother Julius Henry.
| Augustus | |
|---|---|
| Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg | |
| Reign | 1619 – 1656 |
| Predecessor | Francis II |
| Successor | Julius Henry |
| Born | 17 February 1577 Ratzeburg |
| Died | 18 January 1656 (aged 78) Lauenburg upon Elbe |
| Spouse | Elisabeth Sophia of Holstein-Gottorp Catherine of Oldenburg |
| Issue more... | Anna Elisabeth |
| House | House of Ascania |
| Father | Francis II |
| Mother | Margaret of Pomerania-Wolgast |
| Religion | Lutheran |
On his ascension Augustus moved Saxe-Lauenburg's capital from Neuhaus, whereto Francis II had moved it after the residential castle in Lauenburg upon Elbe (started in 1180–1182 by Bernhard, Count of Anhalt) had burnt down in 1616, towards Ratzeburg, where it remained since.
During the Thirty Years' War Augustus always remained neutral, however, billeting and alimenting foreign troops marching through posed a heavy burden onto the ducal subjects.