The Duchy of Jülich was a historical territory located in what is now western Germany. It emerged in the late Middle Ages and became a significant political entity in the region. The duchy was known for its strategic location and was often involved in various conflicts and alliances with neighboring states. In the 16th century, the Duchy of Jülich played a crucial role in the Jülich-Cleves War, which was part of the larger struggle for power among European states. Eventually, the duchy was absorbed into the Duchy of Cleves and later became part of the Prussian territories in the 18th century.