Bernhard II, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg

Bernhard II, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg (b. ca. 1260 - d. aft. 26 December 1323), was a German prince member of the House of Ascania and ruler of the Principality of Anhalt-Bernburg.

He was the third son of Bernhard I, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg by his wife Princess Sophie, daughter of King Abel of Denmark.

Life

After the death of his father in 1287, Bernhard inherited the Principality of Anhalt-Bernburg. According to the law of the House of Ascania, he co-rule with his older brother John I, but without divisions in their lands. John died four years later (1291) and Bernhard became in the sole ruler of Bernburg.

In 1300 he took the title "Count of Bernburg" and one year later his Princely title was confirmed.

After the extinction of the senior branch of Anhalt-Aschersleben (1316), Bernhard inherited his Princely title. Nevertless, he can't took real possession over these lands, because they were taken by the Bishopric of Halberstadt as a payment of the debts of the last Prince Otto II. The dispute over the inheritance lasted for centuries. Finally, Aschersleben was merged by Brandenburg-Prussia in 1648.

In Frankfurt-am-Main on 27 September 1320, Bernhard was created Count palatine of Saxony and Count of Brehna. He died three years later.

Marriage and Issue

In 27 December 1302 Bernhard married with Helene (b. 1270 - d. 9 August 1315), daughter of Wizlaw II, Prince of Rügen and widow of John III, Lord of Mecklenburg. They had three sons:
#Bernhard III, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg (d. 20 August 1348).
#Henry (d. aft. 19 August 1337), Dominican monk at Halberstadt (1330).
#Otto, franciscan monk at Magdeburg (1323).