The Duke of Baden was a title held by the rulers of the historical region of Baden, located in southwestern Germany. The title emerged in the 11th century and was associated with the Margraviate of Baden, which later became a Grand Duchy in the 19th century. The Dukes played a significant role in the political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire and were influential in regional affairs. The last Duke of Baden was Friedrich II, who reigned until the end of the monarchy in Germany after World War I. Following the abolition of the monarchy in 1918, the title became largely ceremonial, and the descendants of the ducal family continue to hold the title in a non-political context today.