The order is named after Albrecht the Bear (1100–1170), who was descended from the first Ascanian Margrave of Brandenburg, Count of Anhalt and Ballenstedt.
The first known awards of the order in the Ascanian houses date back to 1382.
Albrecht the Bear, son of Otto the Rich, is the great-great-grandson of the progenitor of the Ascanian dynasty, Count Esiko of Ballenstedt (died around 1059). Albrecht was one of the most famous historical figures of the German Middle Ages. In addition to his conquests east of the Saale and Elbe rivers, he was a confidant and diplomat for several German kings and emperors (e.g., Emperor Barbarossa). Through his conquests and rights acquired through marriage, his sons became the most powerful princes and electors in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. His son Otto became Margrave of Brandenburg, whose sons founded Berlin and gave the city their grandfather’s bear in its coat of arms. The younger son Bernhard became Duke of Saxony and inherited the County of Anhalt. Of Bernhard’s sons, Heinrich I became Prince of Anhalt and progenitor of all direct descendants of the House of Anhalt living today.
The current Grand Master of the Order, H.R.H. Prince Eduard von Anhalt, Duke of Saxony, was born in Ballenstedt, just like his ancestor. For well-known historical reasons, the prince and his family were kept away from their homeland for a long time and now enjoy getting to know and rediscovering the land of their forefathers all the more. The Order is also being revived. With this in mind, the House of Anhalt-Askanien is once again awarding the Order of Albrecht the Bear to individuals who have rendered outstanding services to the country and to the House of Anhalt-Askanien. Berlin, fall 2008