Background
John Casimir was born in Dessau on 7 September 1596 as the third (but second surviving) son of John George I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, and the first-born child from his second marriage to Dorothea, daughter of John Casimir of Simmern.
John Casimir was born in Dessau on 7 September 1596 as the third (but second surviving) son of John George I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, and the first-born child from his second marriage to Dorothea, daughter of John Casimir of Simmern.
After instruction with local tutors during his early years, John Casimir studied with his cousin Christian II of Anhalt-Bernburg in Geneva from 1608 to 1609.
He was ruler of the principality of Anhalt-Dessau from 1618 to 1660. During his reign the tasks of government were carried out by a committee of court officials, because he devoted much of his time to hunting. His tutors there were the Hofmeisters Markus Friedrich Wendelin and Peter von Sebottendorf.
Reign In 1618, after the death of his father, John Casimir succeeded him in Anhalt-Dessau, but the tasks of government were carried out by a committee of court officials, because the new prince devoted much of his time to hunting.
A hunting accident on 4 October 1652 left him confined to bed for several years. During this time, in order to distract him, the famous poet and writer Philipp von Zesen was employed in his household.
Death and succession John Casimir died in Dessau on 15 September 1660, aged 64. He was succeeded as prince of Anhalt-Dessau by his eldest surviving son, John George.
Marriages Issue.
Fruitbearing Society.