Duke Casimir

His father was Johann Friedrich the Middle, Duke of Saxony (1529–1595), who was outlawed and imprisoned by Emperor Maximilian II. His son, Johann Casimir, received the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg, which he ruled from 1586 to 1633.

He led Coburg into the modern era by modernizing administration and the judiciary, and by curbing the privileges of the local nobility.

His special achievement was the founding of a high state school, today's Casimirianum Gymnasium. For administration, military affairs, and education, he commissioned significant Renaissance buildings: the Town Hall, the Armory, and the Casimirianum.

Casimir was very fond of life, a passionate drinker and marksman.

A dark shadow over his memory is that during his reign, Coburg experienced the peak of witch hunts.