John Augustus, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst

Prince Johann August von Anhalt- Zerbst ( born July 29, 1677 Zerbst, † November 7, 1742 ibid ) was from 1718 until his death in 1742 the reigning prince of Anhalt -Zerbst.

Life

Johann August was the eldest son of Prince Karl Wilhelm von Anhalt- Zerbst (1652-1718) and his wife Sophia (1654-1724), daughter of Duke Augustus of Saxe - Weissenfels. It was named after his two grandfathers.

He was very comprehensive training and undertook his Grand Tour in the Netherlands, France and England. Since 1699 Johann August was incorporated by his father in the government of the country. On the occasion of his marriage with Friederike (1675-1709), daughter of Duke Friedrich I of Saxe- Gotha -Altenburg, whom he had married on 25 May 1702 Zerbst, he received its own royal household. From 1704 he erected in Badetz a pleasure palace, which was named in honor of his wife Friederike mountain. His regarded as intelligent and beautiful wife died in 1709. Was not until 1715 he married again Hedwig Friederike von Württemberg- Weiltingen ( 1691-1752 ).

After the death of his father in 1718 he took over the government in Anhalt -Zerbst. Johann August was considered a benevolent and prudent ruler. In the peace of his reign, the country and especially the residence city of Zerbst developed extraordinarily. In 1722 he appointed Johann Friedrich Fasch as Kapellmeister to Zerbst.

His two marriages were childless, and with the death of the prince went out the well-founded by Prince Rudolf main line of Anhalt- Zerbst. The title took over the Line Anhalt-Zerbst - Dornsberg. Successor as Prince of Anhalt -Zerbst were Johann Ludwig II and his brother Christian August.