Albert, Duke of Prussia, was born on May 17, 1490, in Ansbach, Bavaria, Germany. He was the third son of Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, and Sophia of Poland. His family belonged to the House of Hohenzollern, a prominent German noble dynasty.
Albert received a comprehensive education, studying subjects like Latin, mathematics, and theology. He showed an early interest in the military and developed a strong sense of duty and responsibility. As a member of the Hohenzollern family, he had connections to influential figures in the region, including his uncle Sigismund I, King of Poland.
In his youth, Albert joined the Teutonic Knights, a religious military order established during the Crusades. He served as a commander and gained experience in warfare and administration. This would prove invaluable in his future role as the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order and the Duke of Prussia.
In 1525, Albert converted to Lutheranism and secularized the lands of the Teutonic Order, breaking away from the authority of the Catholic Church.
He became the first Duke of Prussia, ruling over a Protestant state that was recognized as a secular power. Under his leadership, Prussia expanded its territory and developed a strong military and administrative system.
Albert’s actions laid the foundation for the future Kingdom of Prussia and the eventual emergence of the German Empire. His reign marked a turning point in the history of the region, as Prussia became a significant player in European politics and a driving force behind the unification of Germany.
The region of Kaliningrad, formerly known as Königsberg, came under Russian control as a result of historical events following World War II (WWII). Prior to the war, Königsberg was part...
