Background
He was the second son of Henry I, Count of Anhalt (who was elevated to the rank of prince in 1218), by his wife Irmgard, daughter of Hermann I, Landgrave of Thuringia.
He was the second son of Henry I, Count of Anhalt (who was elevated to the rank of prince in 1218), by his wife Irmgard, daughter of Hermann I, Landgrave of Thuringia.
After the death of Henry I in 1252, the surviving sons of the late prince divided his lands between them according to the laws of the House of Ascania. Bernhard received Bernburg.