Duke Ernst August I of Saxe-Weimar was a German nobleman born on December 25, 1688. He ruled as the Duke of Saxe-Weimar from 1741 until his death in 1748. Ernst August was known for his efforts to modernize his duchy and promote the arts and education, contributing to the cultural development of the region. He was a member of the House of Wettin, a prominent dynasty in Germany. His reign is often noted for its stability and the establishment of a more organized administration, which helped improve the quality of life for his subjects in Saxe-Weimar.