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Friedrich the WiseFriedrich was born in Hartenfels Castle, Torgau (Link to german version) in 1463, the first son of the Elector Ernst of the House of Wettin. In 1486 he succeeded his father, together with his younger brother John, as sovereign of Ernestine Saxony which had been formed after the Leipziger partition of the estate in 1485.He was a man of peaceful conciliation and kept his territory out of all warfare during his reign.
Friedrich did attain historical significance primarily as a promoter of knowledge and art. He transformed Wittenberg into his representative residence through the construction of the Castle, Castle Church and university, founded in 1502.
Friedrich's greatest historical merit was his protection of Martin Luther from the Court of Inquisition. His repertoire of diplomatic stalling tactics stood their test; the opponents never finding a weak point. He saw Luther as unjustly persecuted because Luther could not be found guilty of any real crime.
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