Saxon feud

The Saxon feud was a confrontation between the East Frisian Count Edzard I and George, Duke of Saxony in the years 1514-1517. The war took place predominantly on East Frisian soil and destroyed large parts of the region.

In 1488 Duke Albert III "the bold" of Saxony, the Margrave of Meissen, campaigned to against the rebellious Flanders, aiming to liberate Emperor Maximilian I, who was held prisoner by the citizens of Bruges. As a reward, Maximilian I appointed Albert III governor of the Netherlands and, as compensation for the cost incurred, Albert was appointed in 1498 as hereditary governor of Frisia, with an understanding that he'd have to subdue Frisia by force of arms before he could take up this post. After subduing the Frisians, Albert III rushed to Leipzig to attend the Diet, the Frisians revolted and laid siege to Franeker, where Albert's second son, Henry had taken up the post of governor. Albert rushed back to Frisia and freed Henry. He then conquered Groningen before dying in Emden on 12 September 1500. Henry inherited the post of governor of Frisia. However, the Frisians kept resisting his rule and he resigned on 30 May 1505 in favour of his brother George, in exchange for two districts in the Ore Mountains.

Duke George of Saxony demanded in 1504 that all cities and districts in Frisia pay homage to him as "eternal governor". The City of Groningen refused. Count Edzard I attempted to use the situation to extend his domain into the province of Groningen and in 1505, he proclaimed himself "protector" of the city. Twenty-four dukes and counts took up arms against Edzard and invaded East Frisia and devastated large parts of his territory. Edzard received an imperial ban from the Emperor and was excommunicated by the Pope.

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