The Duchy of Austria was a historical territory in Central Europe that emerged in the late 12th century. It was established as a duchy in 1156 and became a significant part of the Holy Roman Empire. The duchy was ruled by the House of Habsburg, which played a crucial role in European politics for centuries. In 1453, the Duchy of Austria was elevated to an archduchy, becoming known as the Archduchy of Austria. This change reflected its growing importance and influence. The region eventually became the core of the Austrian Empire and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire, shaping the history of Europe.