Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen

Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen

Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen was born on January 7th, 1414

Full Name: Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen
Place of Birth: Siegen, Nassau
Profession: Count of Nassau-Siegen
Nationality: German
Reign: 1699-1734
Father: John Francis Desideratus, Count of Nassau-Siegen
Mother: Eleonore Sophie of Baden-Baden
Children: Wilhelm Hyacinth, Frederick Henry

A German nobleman who ruled Nassau-Siegen from 1442 to 1451 and was a member of the House of Nassau. He's known for his involvement in the politics of the Holy Roman Empire during the 15th century.

Written by: Oliver Wren Oliver Wren

Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen, was a prominent figure in medieval Germany, known for his astute leadership, strategic alliances, and territorial expansions. Born on January 7, 1414, Henry would go on to inherit a vast array of titles, including Count of Nassau-Siegen, Vianden, and Diez, as well as Lord of Breda, cementing his position as a powerful noble in the region.

As the second son of Count Engelbert I of Nassau-Siegen and Lady Joanne of Polanen, Henry was destined for greatness from an early age. Already in 1415, a contract was drawn up for his first marriage, allocating Vianden, St. Vith, and Btgenbach to him. Following his father's death in 1442, Henry succeeded him as Count of Nassau-Siegen, Vianden, and Diez, as well as Lord of Breda, alongside his brother Count John IV.

Henry's ambition knew no bounds, and he quickly set about expanding his territories. In 1442, Roman King Frederick III granted him his share of the land of Cleves, the County of Mark, the land of Dinslaken, Diesbach, and half of the County of Diez as fiefs. Additionally, Henry, his brother John, and their distant cousin Count John I of Nassau-Beilstein received Greifenstein Castle as a fief and a part of the proceeds from the toll in Lahnstein.

One of the most contentious issues of Henry's reign was the dispute over the County of Diez. In 1420, his father and Count Godfrey VII of Eppstein-Mnzernberg had transferred the County of Diez to Archbishop Otto of Trier, only to receive it back as a fief. However, on July 27, 1441, Roman King Frederick III granted the County of Diez to Henry, sparking a prolonged dispute with his brother John. The matter was eventually resolved on February 22, 1447, when the brothers divided their possessions, with Henry obtaining the County of Diez.

Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen, left an indelible mark on medieval Germany. His shrewd diplomatic maneuvering, strategic alliances, and territorial expansions solidified his position as a powerful noble in the region. Despite the challenges he faced, Henry's legacy endured, shaping the course of German history for generations to come.

  • January 7, 1414: Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen, born
  • 1415: Marriage contract allocating Vianden, St. Vith, and Btgenbach to Henry
  • 1442: Henry succeeds his father as Count of Nassau-Siegen, Vianden, and Diez, and Lord of Breda
  • 1442: Roman King Frederick III grants Henry his share of the land of Cleves, the County of Mark, the land of Dinslaken, Diesbach, and half of the County of Diez as fiefs
  • February 22, 1447: Henry and his brother John divide their possessions, with Henry obtaining the County of Diez
  • January 18, 1451: Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen, dies

Timeline
1611
Born in Siegen
Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen was born on August 12, 1611, in Siegen, County of Nassau.
1652
Succeeded as Count
Henry II succeeded his father as Count of Nassau-Siegen.
1654
Married to Maria Magdalena
Henry II married Maria Magdalena of Limburg-Stirum.
1664
Died in Siegen
Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen died on October 27, 1664, in Siegen, County of Nassau.
1664
Buried in Siegen
Henry II was buried in the Evangelical Church in Siegen.
Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen

Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen Quiz

What was the primary territory ruled by Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen?

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FAQ
Who was Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen and what were his territories?
Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen was a German nobleman who lived from 1611 to 1652. He ruled over the County of Nassau-Siegen, a state in the Holy Roman Empire.
What were Henry IIs roles in the Thirty Years War?
Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen played a significant role in the Thirty Years War, fighting on the Protestant side. He was a military leader and strategist, participating in several battles and sieges.
What were Henry IIs family and marital relationships?
Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen married twice, first to Elizabeth of Nassau-Dillenburg and then to Elisabeth of Courland. He had several children from both marriages, including John Maurice of Nassau-Siegen, who succeeded him.
What cultural and architectural contributions did Henry II make?
Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen was a patron of the arts and architecture. He commissioned several building projects, including the construction of the Nassauischer Hof in Siegen, which became a center of cultural and intellectual activity.
How did Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen die?
Henry II, Count of Nassau-Siegen died on October 27, 1652, at Hulst, Netherlands. He was succeeded by his son, John Maurice of Nassau-Siegen.

Related People:

Engelbert II of Nassau

Born in 1451

A 15th-century nobleman who ruled over Nassau-Vianden and Breda, known for his strategic alliances and territorial expansions. He played a significant role in shaping the region's politics and history.

John IV, Count of Nassau-Siegen

Born in 1410

A German nobleman who ruled Nassau-Siegen from 1442 to 1475, known for his military campaigns and territorial expansions.