The Duchy of Bavaria was a historical state in what is now southern Germany. Established in the early Middle Ages, it became a significant political entity within the Holy Roman Empire. The duchy was ruled by various dynasties, most notably the Wittelsbach family, which played a crucial role in the region's development. Throughout its history, the Duchy of Bavaria expanded and contracted in size, influencing trade, culture, and politics in the area. In 1806, it was elevated to the status of a kingdom, becoming the Kingdom of Bavaria, which continued to exist until the end of World War I in 1918.