The Duchy of Courland was a historical territory located on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, primarily in present-day Latvia. Established in the early 17th century, it was a semi-autonomous duchy under the rule of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The duchy was known for its maritime trade and colonial ventures, including settlements in the Caribbean. In 1795, the Duchy of Courland was annexed by the Russian Empire during the Third Partition of Poland. The region played a significant role in the cultural and economic development of the Baltic region, influencing local governance and trade practices until its eventual incorporation into modern Latvia.