Saxon Fratricidal War

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

When Frederick II chose the western part and not the Margraviate of Meissen on September 26, 1445 in Leipzig, William rejected the division.

War first broke out between Frederick II and William III in 1446 when they were unable to resolve their dispute.

[6] No side could gain a clear advantage throughout the war and the fighting turned out to be an extended period of "ruinous confusion" for the region.

[4] After the war, Kunz von Kaufungen expected to be repaid by Frederick II for the massive losses of his property during the fighting.

[9] Kunz eventually kidnapped Frederick's two sons, Ernest and Albert, from the castle of Altenburg in what was called the Prinzenraub (English: "The stealing of the princes").

Eventually, Frederick II died, and his two sons Ernest and Albert inherited his lands jointly in 1464.