Hohenzollern, << HOH uhn `zol` uhrn >>, is the name of the famous royal family that ruled Brandenburg, Prussia, and the German Empire. The name came from the family castle of Zollern in Swabia.
The Hohenzollerns started as counts. They became electors (rulers) of Brandenburg in 1417. In 1618, they began to add parts of Prussia to their holdings. Prussia was recognized as a kingdom in 1701 under Frederick I. After Germany was united in 1871, the Hohenzollerns were both kings of Prussia and German emperors. They established efficient governments and strong armies. The family lost its throne in World War I.
The best-known Hohenzollern rulers included Frederick William, the Great Elector; Frederick William I; Frederick II; and Wilhelm II. Wilhelm II was the German Kaiser during World War I.
