The Archdukes of Austria were members of the Habsburg dynasty, a powerful royal family in Europe. They held the title of Archduke, which was a rank above Duke but below King. The title was first used in the late 14th century and became significant in the governance of the Austrian Empire and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Archdukes played crucial roles in European politics, often marrying into other royal families to strengthen alliances. Notable Archdukes include Ferdinand I, who became Holy Roman Emperor, and Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1914 sparked World War I.