Background
Anna Maria was the eldest daughter of Joachim Ernest, Prince of Anhalt, by his first wife Agnes, daughter of Wolfgang I, Count of Barby-Mühlingen.
Anna Maria was the eldest daughter of Joachim Ernest, Prince of Anhalt, by his first wife Agnes, daughter of Wolfgang I, Count of Barby-Mühlingen.
This dignity was only titular, however. The territory had in reality been incorporated into the principality of Anhalt, with her father as "administrator" and holder of Gernrode"s vote in the Reichstag. In 1577, Anna Maria was relieved from her post as abbess in order to marry Joachim Frederick, eldest son and heir of George II the Pious, Duke of Brzeg.
The wedding took place in Brzeg on 19 May of that year.
After John George"s widow relinquished her Oprawa wdowia in 1594 and Barbara of Brandenburg died in 1595, Joachim Frederick was finally able to re-unite the entire duchy. Joachim Frederick died on 25 March 1602.
Anna Maria assumed the regency on behalf of their two surviving sons, John Christian and George Rudolf, who were minors at that time. In addition to her position as regent, she was the reigning Duchess of Oława as Oprawa wdowia.