The Duchy of Brabant was a historical region in what is now Belgium and parts of the Netherlands. Established in the 11th century, it became an important center for trade and culture during the Middle Ages. The duchy was known for its prosperous cities, such as Brussels and Antwerp, which played significant roles in European commerce. In 1430, the Duchy of Brabant was inherited by the Habsburg dynasty, linking it to a larger European power. Over time, it became part of the Spanish Netherlands and later the Austrian Netherlands, reflecting the region's shifting political landscape until it was eventually absorbed into modern Belgium.