Friedrich Der Weise

Friedrich Der Weise (Torgau, 1463-1525, Lochau), Elector of Saxony from 1486 as Friedrich III, enjoyed a considerable respect among his contemporaries as a man of piety as well as wisdom. After the death of the Emperor Maximilian I he was offered the imperial crown, which he declined; his refusal led to the election of Karl V. Friedrich is well known as a protector of Luther, ensuring him a safe conduct for his appearance at the Diet at Worms (see Wormser Reichstage), and afterwards according him a refuge in the Wartburg. He was the founder of the University of Wittenberg (1502).