sentences:  It was created for a first time in 1544 following the partition of Anhalt-Dessau but the principality ceased to exist following the death of Prince George III in 1553 at which point it was inherited by the prince of Anhalt-Zerbst.It was created for a second time in 1603 with the partition of the unificated principality of Anhalt; this time, in order to create a bigger principality, parts of Anhalt-Bernburg were extracted.This second incarnation lasting until 1665 at which point Prince Lebrecht succeeded as Prince of Anhalt-Köthen and Plötzkau returned to the principality of Anhalt-Bernburg.