Seasonal stories & historical reading
History of Saxony, Germany
Journey back in time to Saxony, Germany
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Saxony, Germany.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Saxony
Saxony, German Sachsen, Land (state), eastern Germany. Poland lies to the east of Saxony, and the Czech Republic lies to the south. Saxony also borders the German states of Saxony-Anhalt to the northwest, Brandenburg to the north, Bavaria to the southwest, and Thuringia to the west. The capital is Dresden. britannica.com
German states:
Old Saxony (unknown–785), tribal territory of the Saxons
Duchy of Saxony (804–1296), the settlement area of the Saxons in the late Early Middle Ages
Electorate of Saxony (1356–1806), a state of the Holy Roman Empire
Kingdom of Saxony (1806–1918), a confederacy in Napoleonic through post-Napoleonic Germany
Gau Saxony (1926–45), an administrative division of Nazi Germany
Province of Saxony (1816–1945), a province of the Kingdom of Prussia and later the Free State of Prussia
wikipedia
German states:
Old Saxony (unknown–785), tribal territory of the Saxons
Duchy of Saxony (804–1296), the settlement area of the Saxons in the late Early Middle Ages
Electorate of Saxony (1356–1806), a state of the Holy Roman Empire
Kingdom of Saxony (1806–1918), a confederacy in Napoleonic through post-Napoleonic Germany
Gau Saxony (1926–45), an administrative division of Nazi Germany
Province of Saxony (1816–1945), a province of the Kingdom of Prussia and later the Free State of Prussia
wikipedia
Source
Have family roots in Saxony?Add your family to this place
MAP
Use the map to explore this place and its surroundings.
VINTAGE SAXONY
Saxony Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Saxony, Germany
Postcard
Görlitz
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to SAXONY
GERMANY - German Heritage Deutschland Delights Ceramic Genealogy Mug
"My ancestors came from Germany. That explains a lot about my love for beer, sausages, and cuckoo clocks!"
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Saxony: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Saxony through the years.
Saxony-Wittenberg, in modern Saxony-Anhalt, became subject to the margravate of Meissen, ruled by the Wettin dynasty in 1423.
In 1485, Saxony was split. A collateral line of the Wettin princes received what later became Thuringia and founded several small states there.
Between 1697 and 1763, the Electors of Saxony were also elected Kings of Poland in personal union.
1700 - Saxony is part of the Holy Roman Empire
In 1756, Saxony joined a coalition of Austria, France and Russia against Prussia.
Frederick II of Prussia chose to attack preemptively and invaded Saxony in August 1756, precipitating the Seven Years' War. The Prussians quickly defeated Saxony and incorporated the Saxon army into the Prussian army. At the end of the Seven Years' War, Saxony once again became an independent state, although considerably reduced in size.
1760 - November 3 - Battle at Torgau, Saxony: Prussia beats Austria
1763 - February 15 - Austria, Prussia & Saxony sign Treaty of Hubertusburg, marking the end of the French and Indian War and of the Seven Years War
1800 - Population of the Electorate of Saxony (Holy Roman Empire) - 1,050,000
Show more local history, news & stories
In 1806, French Emperor Napoleon abolished the Holy Roman Empire and established the Electorate of Saxony as a kingdom in exchange for military support.
The Elector Frederick Augustus III accordingly became King Frederick Augustus I of Saxony.
In 1815, the southern part of Saxony, now called the "State of Saxony" joined the German Confederation.
King Anthony of Saxony came to the throne of Saxony in 1827.
In 1854 Frederick Augustus II's brother, King John of Saxony, succeeded to the throne.
After the Austro-Prussian war, Saxony was forced to pay an indemnity and to join the North German Confederation in 1867.
In 1871, Saxony joined the newly formed German Empire.
1895 - Saxony
Saxony, KINGDOM of (Ger. Königreich Sachsen, kö'nig rik) sāk'sen), a kingdom of Germany, forming an integral part of the German £ bounded on the N.W., N., and by Prussia, on the S.E. and S. by Bohemia, on the S.W. by Bavaria, and on the W. by Reuss, Saxe-Weimar, and Saxe-Altenburg. Length, 144 miles; breadth, 15 to 88 miles...
1906
Saxony (Ger. Sachaen, zax'en), Kingdom of, a state of the German Empire, the fifth in size and the third in order of population, bounded on the N. and NE. by Prussia ( pro vinoes of Saxony and Silesia), on the SE. by Bohemia, on the SW. (for a short distance) by Bavaria, and on the W. by Reuss, Saxe- Weimar, Saxe-Altenburg, and Prussian Saxony. Length, 144 miles ; breadth, 15 to 88 miles. Area, 5787 sq. m. Pop. in 1900, 4,202,216. All but about 5 per cent, of the inhabitants are Protes tants. The Catholics number about 200,000 and the Jews about 13,000. The royal family belongs to the Catholic church. The non-German element in the population (in addition to the foreigners) is that of the Wends, a Slavic people who live in the extreme E. of the kingdom, in a portion of old Lusatia, and who number about 50,000. The kingdom is divided into the circles of Dresden, Leipsic, Bautien, Chemniti, and Zwickau. The chief towns are Dresden, Leipsic, Chemnitz, Plauen, Zwickau, Meissen, Zittau,...
Read more
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Saxony:
1. Dresden:
Zwinger Palace: Explore this magnificent palace, known for its stunning Baroque architecture and housing several museums, including the Old Masters Gallery.
Dresden Frauenkirche: Visit this iconic church, which has been beautifully restored after being destroyed during World War II. You can even climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Semper Opera House: Catch a world-class opera or ballet performance in this historic venue.
Dresden Castle: Discover the history of Saxony's rulers and the Green Vault, one of the world's most valuable treasure chambers.
Dresden's Old Town: Wander through the charming streets, visit local cafes, and admire the historical buildings.
2. Leipzig:
St. Thomas Church: Attend a concert at this famous church, where Johann Sebastian Bach once served as a cantor.
Leipzig Zoo: Enjoy a day with animals from around the world in one of the most modern zoos in Europe.
Auerbachs Keller: Dine in this historic restaurant...
Read more
Zwinger Palace: Explore this magnificent palace, known for its stunning Baroque architecture and housing several museums, including the Old Masters Gallery.
Dresden Frauenkirche: Visit this iconic church, which has been beautifully restored after being destroyed during World War II. You can even climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Semper Opera House: Catch a world-class opera or ballet performance in this historic venue.
Dresden Castle: Discover the history of Saxony's rulers and the Green Vault, one of the world's most valuable treasure chambers.
Dresden's Old Town: Wander through the charming streets, visit local cafes, and admire the historical buildings.
2. Leipzig:
St. Thomas Church: Attend a concert at this famous church, where Johann Sebastian Bach once served as a cantor.
Leipzig Zoo: Enjoy a day with animals from around the world in one of the most modern zoos in Europe.
Auerbachs Keller: Dine in this historic restaurant...
GENEALOGY IN SAXONY
Discover YOUR Roots: Saxony Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Saxony through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Saxony, Germany
We currently have information about 13 ancestors who were born or died in Saxony.
View ancestors by year of birthCONTINUE YOUR RESEARCH
Search Saxony Genealogy
Search by place or by ancestor name to keep exploring families connected to Saxony.
SEARCH BY PLACE
Find Family by Place
Not the place you were looking for? Start another place search and choose a location from the suggestions.
SEARCH BY ANCESTOR
Find Family by Name
You can enter part of a name if you are unsure of the full name or exact spelling.
Updated: 9/11/2023 2:52:57 PM
COMMUNITY
Discussion & Local Contributions
Share corrections, memories, local history, or family connections that may help other researchers.