Treaty of Berum

The Treaty of Berum was a treaty concluded on 28 January 1600 at Berum Castle between the Count Enno III of East Frisia and the County of Rietberg, which regulated the sale of the Harlingerland to East Frisia.

With the death of Balthasar Oomkens von Esens in 1540, the Attena line of East Frisian chieftains ruling Harlingerland died out and the Harlingerland fell to the Counts of Rietberg, who were related to the Attenas. From 1540, Harlingerland was ruled by Count John II of Rietberg, the son of Balthasar's sister. After his death, the Harlingerland went to his second daughter, Walburgis. She married in 1581 Count Enno III of East Frisia. They had two daughters, who, by the Treaty of Berum, waived their right to inherit Harlingerland, in favour of Enno's son Rudolf Christian, from his first marriage.

Sabine Catharine and her sister Agnes sold the Lordships of Esens, Stedesdorf and Wittmund and thus the entire Harlingerland, to their father, for 200000talers. The payment was later increased to 300000talers. Sabina Catherine, the elder sister, would inherit the county of Rietberg. The Treaty was confirmed on 19 September 1600 by Emperor Rudolph II and later also by Archduke Albert, who was nominally Duke of Guelders and thereby liege lord of the Harlingerland.

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