Wolfgang of Anhalt-Köthen (1492–1566) took over the government of his principality at the age of 16. He introduced the Reformation as early as 1525 and was one of the leaders of the Schmalkaldic League. He was placed under the imperial ban by the Emperor for fighting on the Protestant side in the Battle of Mühlberg in 1547. Elector Moritz of Saxony made him governor of Magdeburg and in 1552 the imperial ban was lifted.