Maurice, Duke of Saxony was a military commander in the service of the Electorate of Saxony and the Austrian Empire during the 18th century. He was born on March 28, 1696, in Goslar, in the German state of Lower Saxony.
Moritz von Sachsen was the son of Augustus II the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, and his mistress, Aurora von Königsmarck. Despite being born out of wedlock, he was recognized by his father and received a good education, including military training.
In 1717, Moritz von Sachsen entered the Saxon army as a lieutenant and quickly rose through the ranks. He proved himself to be an able and courageous commander, winning several battles and earning the respect of his men. In 1741, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the Saxon army and led them into the War of the Austrian Succession.
During the war, Moritz von Sachsen fought on the side of the Austrian Empire against the Kingdom of Prussia. He won a decisive victory over the Prussian army at the Battle of Chotusitz in 1742, which helped to secure Austria's position in the war. For his service, he was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal and was awarded several honors, including the Order of the Golden Fleece.
In addition to his military career, Moritz von Sachsen was also a patron of the arts and sciences. He was a member of several learned societies, including the Prussian Academy of Sciences, and was a supporter of the philosopher Christian Wolff.
Moritz von Sachsen died on October 15, 1750, in Warsaw, Poland, while on a diplomatic mission for the Elector of Saxony. He was buried in the royal crypt at the Wawel Cathedral in Krakow, Poland.