Frederick was the Elector of Saxony until his death. He was the founder of the University of Wittenberg, and a faithful protector and defender of Luther.

Yet Frederick maintained his own inventory of relics, which was numbered at approximately 19,000 items. It was said to include St. Anne’s thumb, a twig from the burning bush where Moses stood, and milk from the Virgin Mary.

As with the sale of indulgences, the credulous populace was told they could escape purgatory if they would pay money to venerate these items.

Upon his death, his brother Duke John “The Steadfast” succeeded him as Elector of Saxony.