The Duchy of Anhalt was a historical territory in central Germany, part of the larger region known as Saxony. It emerged in the 12th century and was ruled by the House of Ascania. The duchy was divided into several smaller principalities, including Anhalt-Bernburg, Anhalt-Dessau, and Anhalt-Köthen, each governed by different branches of the family. Anhalt played a significant role in the political landscape of Germany during the Middle Ages and the early modern period. The duchy was known for its cultural contributions, particularly in the fields of music and education, and it became a center for the Reformation in the 16th century.