Counts · Margraviate of Brandenburg · as at first light, 1 January 1200

Albert of Arneburg

Albert holds the castle and county of Arneburg on the west bank of the Elbe in the Altmark (drawn on the Rhineland map; this record only marks him).

About 1194, aged about seventeen, he made a small war on Otto II to win a share in the rule and plundered his lands; Otto captured him in 1194, soon released him and took him as co-ruler, and they were reconciled by 1195 at the latest. He joined in the surrender of the family's allods to Magdeburg (1195-96), went on Henry VI's crusade and was at the founding assembly of the Teutonic Order at Acre in March 1198. After that he often appears beside Otto in charters, and Otto named him heir.

Who he is

Name
Albert (Albrecht)
Title
Count of Arneburg (later Margrave Albert II, 1205-1220)
Since
1184 (count of Arneburg)
Born
before 1177 (about 17 when he rebelled), so in his early twenties on 1 January 1200
Family
Son of Margrave Otto I and his second wife Adelheid (married 1176; in Assing's reading Ada of Holland, later the wife of Otto II). Half-brother of Otto II. Unmarried on 1 January 1200 (he marries Matilda of Groitzsch, born 1185, only in 1205).
Confidence
high

de.wikipedia (Albrecht II. (Brandenburg)).

Overlord

His brother the margrave (Arneburg lies in the Altmark); since 1195-96 also the archbishop of Magdeburg, to whom both brothers surrendered their allods.

What it holds

  • Arneburg castle and county on the Elbe (Altmark)
  • A share in the rule of the march as co-regent (not a separate territory east of the Elbe that the sources name)

How it was acquired

Arneburg as his portion on his father's death (1184).

Allies and rivals

Reconciled with Otto II; the Teutonic Order's founders from the crusade of 1197-98.

How things stand that morning

Back from the crusade (he was at Acre in March 1198; the date of his return is not pinned) and at his brother's side. He backs Philip, as Otto does.

Wealth

The Elbe crossing and rents of Arneburg.

Military

Arneburg castle; his own men; crusade experience. No figures.

Threats

  • Dependence on his brother's favour

What the year holds

What happened next, if nothing in play changes it. Each event carries what it depends on and what would stop it.

In 1200

  1. During 1200Stays at Otto II's side as co-ruler and heir.Depends on: The brothers' reconciliation holding. Stopped by: A new quarrel over shares.

Later, on the likely course

  1. 4 July 1205 (not yet)Succeeds Otto II as margrave; marries Matilda of Groitzsch the same year.Depends on: Otto's death. Stopped by: His own death first.

Places of note

  • Arneburg castle: His county seat on the Elbe.

Where the sources disagree

  • The Rhineland map calls him Otto's half-brother; agreed (de.wikipedia: born of Otto I's second marriage of 1176).

Evidence: His rebellion, crusade and later reign are attested; his whereabouts in the winter of 1199-1200 are not.

On the map: A marker on Rhineland map ground; the county's extent is not drawn.

Primary sources for Brandenburg (Otto II)

Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.

Sources and studies

  1. Albrecht II. (Brandenburg), de.wikipedia

Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.