The Duchy of Geldern was a historical territory located in what is now western Germany and parts of the Netherlands. It emerged in the late Middle Ages and was known for its strategic position along trade routes. The duchy was often contested by neighboring powers, including the Duchy of Brabant and the Kingdom of Spain. Geldern played a significant role in regional politics, especially during the Hundred Years' War and the Eighty Years' War. It was eventually absorbed into the Duchy of Cleves and later became part of the Prussian Empire in the 18th century, marking the end of its independence.