List of rulers of Mecklenburg
The Mecklenburg princely family descends in a straight line from Prince ( kings ) of the Slavic tribe of Obotrites in the narrower sense and had its origins seat in a castle (Mecklenburg) in Dorf Mecklenburg ( Mikel castle ) near Wismar. Since 1167 German legal feudal association - first under the Saxons - Mecklenburg was 1348 imperial immediacy territory and the princely family dubbed the Dukes of Mecklenburg. Despite several territorial partitioning Mecklenburg remained until the end of the monarchy, a total state. 1234 came the first break and the principality was divided into the First Mecklenburg main division of the state. Thus, the principalities ( gentlemen ) Werle, Parchim Rich Mountain, Rostock and Mecklenburg emerged. In modern times, divided into two (partial) duchies of Mecklenburg -Schwerin (I) and Mecklenburg- Stargard ( 1348-1471 ), Mecklenburg -Schwerin (II ) and Mecklenburg- Güstrow ( 1555-1695 ), compared with the Hamburg ( 1701) in Mecklenburg -Schwerin (III ) and Mecklenburg- Strelitz. The dynasty was, however, continue always invested for whole hand and the rulers of both parts of the country led always identical titles, which led to diplomatic confusion.
By the Congress of Vienna in 1815 experienced both reigning dukes rank approximation with the title of Grand Duke of Mecklenburg and personal salutation Royal Highness. Both parts of the country were henceforth referred to as grand duchies. In addition to the two regents, two heirs to the throne and the respective associated wives all other members of the royal family led continue the title of dukes ( Duchesses ) to Mecklenburg, notwithstanding the general customary also the princes and princesses. The Mecklenburg regent titled as Duke ( 1815: Grand Duke of ) Mecklenburg, Prince of Wenden, Schwerin and Ratzeburg, Count Schwerin, Rostock and Stargard Lord of the landing.
At the end of the monarchy, the House of Mecklenburg was one of the oldest ruling dynasties in Germany. In the Weimar Republic the former princely title in the bourgeois family name was changed to Duke of Mecklenburg.
- 4.1 line Mecklenburg-Schwerin (I) and (II )
- 4.2 line Mecklenburg- Stargard
- 4.3 line Mecklenburg- Güstrow
- 5.1 line Mecklenburg-Schwerin (III )
- 5.2 line Mecklenburg-Strelitz
List of names
Among the names of the dukes and the degree of relation to its predecessor, the reign is given. Since especially in the Middle Ages, the division into dominions plays a role in their management changed frequently, any reign / Government times are noted separately for the respective rulers.