German Prince ALBERT was an ELECTOR of the Holy Roman Empire in the 16th century. He was a member of the House of Wettin, a dynasty of German princes, and was the ruler of the Ernestine branch of the family. ALBERT was a staunch supporter of the Protestant Reformation and was instrumental in the spread of Lutheranism throughout Germany. He was also a patron of the arts and sciences, and his court was renowned for its culture and learning.