Editing George, Duke of Saxony (section)

==Duke of Saxony==
[[File:Klappmützentaler 64312.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Guldengroschen]] of [[Duchy of Saxony|Saxony]], c. 1508–1525. The [[Obverse and reverse|obverse]] shows George's cousin, [[Frederick III, Elector of Saxony|Frederick]], while on the [[Obverse and reverse|reverse]], George is portrayed face to face with the future [[Prince-elector|Elector]], [[John, Elector of Saxony|John]].]] 
In 1498, the emperor granted Albert the Brave the hereditary governorship of Friesland. At [[Maastricht]], 14 February 1499, Albert settled the succession to his possessions, and endeavoured by this arrangement to prevent further partition of his domain. He died 12 September 1500, and was succeeded in his German territories by George as the head of the Albertine line, while George's brother [[Henry IV, Duke of Saxony|Heinrich]] became hereditary governor of Friesland.<ref name="Catholic"/>

The Saxon occupation of Friesland, however, was by no means secure and was the source of constant revolts in that province. Consequently, Heinrich, who was of a rather inert disposition, relinquished his claims to the governorship, and in 1505 an agreement was made between the brothers by which Friesland was transferred to George, while Heinrich received an annuity and the districts of [[Freiberg (district)|Freiberg]] and [[Wolkenstein]]. But this arrangement did not restore peace in Friesland, which remained a source of trouble to Saxony. In 1515 George sold Friesland to [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|the future Emperor Charles V]] (then [[Duke of Burgundy]]) for the very moderate price of 100,000 florins. He tried to keep the newmade lands of [[het Bildt]] which weren't granted him by Charles V. These troubles outside of his Saxon possessions did not prevent George from bestowing much care on the government of the ducal territory proper. When regent, during the lifetime of his father, the difficulties arising from conflicting interests and the large demands on his powers had often brought the young prince to the verge of despair.<ref name="Catholic"/>

In a short time, however, he developed decided ability as a ruler; on entering upon his inheritance he divided the duchy into governmental districts, took measures to suppress the robber-knights, and regulated the judicial system by defining and readjusting the jurisdiction of the various law courts. In his desire to achieve good order, severity, and the amelioration of the condition of the people, he sometimes ventured to infringe even on the rights of the cities. His court was better regulated than that of any other German prince, and he bestowed a paternal care on the [[University of Leipzig]], where a number of reforms were introduced, and [[Humanism]], as opposed to [[Scholasticism]], was encouraged.<ref name="Catholic"/>