Page "Amelinghausen" Paragraph 19

In 961 Emperor Otto I appointed the count, Hermann Billung, as Duke of Saxony.

The new duke built his castle seat on the Lüneburg Kalkberg.

From then on Lüneburg was the centre of his dominion.

After the death of the Verden bishop, Amelung, who was Billung's brother, the Bishopric of Verden claimed Amelung's estates.

Duke Hermann Billung did not agree to that and laid claim to his brother's estates, although he was probably excommunicated by the church as a result.

In 1106 the duchy was transferred to Lothair of Supplinburg.

Thanks to Lothair's status and wealth, underpinned by power, the duchy went in 1137 to the House of Welf and reached its heyday under Henry the Lion, but then cam to an end.

In 1235 the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg was given to the Welf, Otto.

In 1267, his sons, Albert and John, divided Brunswick-Lüneburg into the separate principalities of Brunswick and Lüneburg.

Lüneburg remained in the hands of the Duke John's descendants until 1359.

On 25 May 1428 the Welf dominion was redivided in Celle.

Duke Bernard and his son, Otto, were given the Principality of Lüneburg.

The Principality of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel was given to Bernard's brother.