Cirksena-Rietberg (extinct) The House of Cirksena was the ruling family of East Frisia (German: Ostfriesland).

In 1439, in the wake of clashes between different lines of chieftains, the town of Emden was first placed by Hamburg under direct rule and then, in 1453, given to the Cirksena.

The most important ruler from the House of Cirksena was Edzard I (1462–1528), under whose leadership the Imperial County of East Frisia reached its greatest extent.

Charles Edzard, the last ruler from the House of Cirksena, died without issue during the night of 25/26 May 1744 (reportedly from a glass of buttermilk, which he is said to have drunk after a hunt).

The last male descendant of the House of East Frisia in Rietberg, Count Ferdinand Maximilian, died in 1687.

The coat of arms of the family of Cirksena displays a crowned, golden harpy (or angel) on a black field.

Likewise, the harpy is part of the coat of arms of Aurich district, albeit in a different colour, which also goes back to the Cirksena.