The title "Duke of Florence" was established in the 15th century and was held by members of the Medici family, who were influential in the political and cultural life of Florence. The title was officially created in 1532 when Clement VII, a Medici pope, elevated the city to a duchy, granting the Medici family greater power and prestige. The Duke of Florence ruled over the city and its territories, overseeing significant developments in art, architecture, and governance. The position was held until the unification of Italy in the 19th century, after which the title became obsolete, marking the end of the Medici's political dominance in the region.