Carl August was a notable figure in the early 19th century, best known as the Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. He ruled from 1775 until his death in 1828 and is remembered for his contributions to culture and education. Under his leadership, the duchy became a center for the arts and intellectual thought, attracting many prominent figures, including the writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. In addition to his support for the arts, Carl August was instrumental in modernizing the educational system in his territory. He established several institutions, promoting science and literature, which helped to foster a spirit of enlightenment. His reign is often associated with the flourishing of Weimar Classicism, a cultural movement that emphasized harmony and balance in art and literature.