Nassau

District of Pru ia, early occupied by Alemanni, who were subdued by Franks; afterward part of the German empire. From Otto of Lauren burg sprang two lines of princes, who in 1255 divided the land between them. From Walram II. is derived the House of Lauren burg, or N., so called since ab. 1200; from Otto, that of N.-Gelders, still surviving in the female branch, whose representatives since 1544 have been known as Princes of Orange. N. was declared a duchy 1806. In 1866 it took sides with Austria and was incorporated with Pru ia. Na au. Capital of the Bahamas, in New Providence. Pop. ab. 11,000.