The Duchy of Saxe-Weimar was a historical territory in central Germany, part of the larger Saxony region. Established in the early 16th century, it became a duchy in 1572. The duchy was known for its cultural contributions, particularly during the Weimar Classicism period, which included influential figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller. The duchy was ruled by the House of Wettin, which played a significant role in the political landscape of Germany. In 1918, following the end of World War I, the duchy was dissolved, and its territory became part of the newly formed Free State of Thuringia.