Saxon Fratricidal War

The Saxon Fratricidal War (German: Sächsischer Bruderkrieg) is a war fought between the two brothers Frederick II, Elector of Saxony and Duke William III over Wettin ruled areas from 1446 to 1451.

After a dispute over the division of certain family lands between Frederick II and William III, the Division of Altenburg eventually leads to growing tensions between the two brothers and an inability to agree on who rules which areas.

After failed attempts at reconciliation, the war breaks out and lasts for five years.

The war is destructive and has no clear winner before being ended with a peace treaty at Naumburg.

Following the war and subsequent divisions the Saxons loss much of their former power and influence within the different German states and families.