Dynasty 1200 up to 1250

Mecklenburg initially covered only one third of the later region. The development of a strong feudalism covering all of Mecklenburg was destroyed through distributions of the estate. A radical fragmentation – the first division of territory – occurred in 1229/1235, when Henry Borwin I. died and Pribislav’s great-grandchildren divided the Obotrite legacy into the domains of Mecklenburg, Rostock, Werle-Güstrow and Parchim-Richenberg.

The son of Bogislaw II., Barnim I., Duke of Pommern-Stettin (circa 1210-1278), is the first of the rulers to seek territorial expansion. He founded over 30 cities and numerous monasteries. His wooden residence is located in Stettin.