Background
He was the third (but eldest surviving) son of John VI, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, and Sophie Auguste, daughter of Frederick III, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp.
He was the third (but eldest surviving) son of John VI, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, and Sophie Auguste, daughter of Frederick III, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp.
His two older brothers died before his birth. Karl William succeeded his father in Anhalt-Zerbst in 1667 at the age of fifteen years. During his minority, which lasted until 1674, his mother, the Dowager Princess Sophie Auguste, acted as regent.
He ordered the building of Zerbst Castle (which was made his official residence) and the Saint Trinitatis Church of Zerbst, which were both inaugurated in 1696.
Also, he lived many years in Jever.
Fruitbearing Society.