The Duchy of Slesvig, also known as Schleswig, was a historical region located in what is now southern Denmark and northern Germany. It was part of the larger Duchy of Schleswig and Holstein, which was ruled by various Danish and German monarchs over the centuries. The duchy played a significant role in the conflicts between Denmark and Germany, particularly during the 19th century. In 1864, the Second Schleswig War resulted in the duchy being ceded to Prussia and Austria. Following the war, the region underwent various administrative changes and was eventually incorporated into the German Empire in 1871. Today, the historical significance of the Duchy of Slesvig is remembered in both Danish and German cultures.