Anhalt-Dessau

Anhalt-Dessau was a principality and later a duchy located in Germany. It was created in 1396 following the partition of the Principality of Anhalt-Zerbst. The capital of the state was Dessau. Anhalt-Dessau experienced a number of partitions throughout its existence with Anhalt-Köthen being created in 1471. The principality was partitioned for a second time in 1544 with Anhalt-Zerbst and Anhalt-Plötzkau being created. From 1561 until 1603 Anhalt-Dessau was under the rule of the Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, and in 1603 Anhalt-Dessau was recreated, being raised to a duchy in 1807.

Anhalt-Köthen became extinct on the death of the Duke of Anhalt-Kothen, 23 November 1847, its territories were united to Anhalt-Dessau by Patent of 22 May 1853. Following the death of the last Duke of Anhalt-Bernburg on 19 August 1863, all of the Anhalt lands came under the rule of the Duke of Anhalt-Dessau who then took the new title of Duke of Anhalt for the newly created Duchy of Anhalt.

Princes (1396–1561)
To Anhalt-Zerbst 1561.
 * Sigismund I 1396–1405
 * George I 1405–1474
 * Waldemar IV 1405–1417 (co-regent)
 * Sigismund II 1405–1452 (co-regent)
 * Albert V 1405–1469 (co-regent)
 * Ernest I 1474–1516
 * George II 1474–1509 (co-regent)
 * Sigismund III 1474–1487 (co-regent)
 * Rudolph IV 1474–1510 (co-regent)
 * Joachim I 1516–1561
 * John V 1516–1544 (co-regent)
 * George III 1516–1544 (co-regent)

Princes (1603–1807)
Raised to Duchy 1807.
 * John George I 1603–1618
 * John Casimir 1618–1660
 * John George II 1660–1693
 * Leopold I 1693–1747
 * Countess Henriette Catherine of Nassau regent 1693–1697
 * Leopold II 1747–1751
 * Leopold III 1751–1807
 * Prince Dietrich regent 1751–1758

Dukes (1807–1863)
Renamed Duchy of Anhalt 1863.
 * Leopold III 1807–1817
 * Leopold IV 1817–1863