The Duke of Anhalt is a title associated with a historical region in Germany known as Anhalt. This area was part of the Holy Roman Empire and is located in the central part of the country. The title has been held by various noble families since the 12th century, with the most notable being the House of Ascania. The dukedom was officially established in the 19th century, and the last reigning duke was Duke Friedrich I, who ruled until the abolition of the monarchy in Germany after World War I. Today, the title is largely ceremonial and is held by descendants of the former ruling family.