William I of Nassau-Siegen

Common card · No. 453834

William I of Nassau-Siegen (German: Wilhelm I. Graf von Nassau-Siegen; 10 April 1487 – 6 October 1559), nicknamed the Elder (German: der Ältere) or the Rich (German: der Reiche), was Count of Nassau-Siegen and half of Diez from 1516 to 1559. He was a descendant of the Ottonian Line of the House of Nassau. William's reign marked a notable period in the history of his house. During his reign, he introduced the Reformation in his territories, and the saw expansion of his county's territorial possessions. He promoted the Lutheran faith and played a key role in the political events of his time, including involvement in the Schmalkaldic League and negotiations leading to the Peace of Passau. William advanced the interests of his house through a policy of moderation, and contributed to its success. A major challenge throughout his reign was the succession dispute over the County of Katzenelnbogen, which was contested by the Landgraviate of Hesse. This dispute was known as the War of the Katzenelnbogen...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Johannes Tideman, Public domain