The Duke of Modena was a title held by the rulers of the Duchy of Modena, a small state in northern Italy. This duchy was established in the 14th century and became part of the larger territory of the House of Este, a prominent noble family in Italy. The dukes played a significant role in regional politics and culture, influencing the development of Modena and its surroundings. The last Duke of Modena was Francesco IV, who ruled until 1859 when the duchy was annexed by the Kingdom of Sardinia. This event was part of the broader unification of Italy, which saw various states and territories come together to form a single nation. The legacy of the dukes can still be seen in Modena's architecture and cultural heritage.