Sigismund I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau (d. Coswig, 19 January 1405), was a German prince of the House of Ascania and ruler of the principality of Anhalt-Zerbst until 1396, when he became the first ruler of the principality of Anhalt-Dessau.
He was the eldest son of John II, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, by his wife Elisabeth, daughter of John I, Count of Henneberg-Schleusingen.
In 1382, after the death of his father, Sigismund inherited the principality of Anhalt-Zerbst jointly with his brothers Albert IV and Waldemar III. After the death of Waldemar in 1391, Sigismund and Albert became the sole co-rulers.
Five years later, in 1396, both brothers decided to settle upon a formal division of the principality of Anhalt-Zerbst. Sigismund assumed the title "Lord of Zerbst," but established the town of Dessau as his main residence and capital of his newly-created principality of Anhalt-Dessau.
In 1386, Sigismund married Judith (d. aft. 1411), daughter of Gebhard XI, Count of Querfurt. They had eleven children:
Preceded by John II |
Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst with Waldemar III until 1391 with Albert IV until 1396 1382–1396 |
Succeeded by Principality partitioned in Anhalt-Dessau and Anhalt-Köthen |
Preceded by Principality created |
Prince of Anhalt-Dessau 1396–1405 |
Succeeded by Waldemar IV George I Sigismund II Albert V |