Đurađ Branković was a Serbian nobleman and the last despot of the Serbian Despotate, ruling from 1427 to 1456. He was born into the Branković family, which played a significant role in Serbian history during the late medieval period. His reign was marked by efforts to maintain Serbian independence amid the growing power of the Ottoman Empire. Branković was known for his diplomatic skills, often navigating complex relationships with neighboring states, including Hungary and the Ottomans. He sought to strengthen his territory and protect his people, but ultimately, his efforts could not prevent the fall of the Serbian Despotate to the Ottoman Empire in the late 15th century.