The Duchy of Saxe-Hildburghausen was a small German state that existed from 1680 until 1826. It was part of the larger region of Saxony and was located in what is now Thuringia, Germany. The duchy was established when the House of Wettin divided its territories, and Hildburghausen became the capital. In 1826, Saxe-Hildburghausen merged with the neighboring Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen to form the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen-Hildburghausen. The duchy was known for its cultural contributions and was home to various notable figures in the arts and sciences during its existence.