The Duke of Saxe-Weimar was a title held by the rulers of the Duchy of Saxe-Weimar, a small state in what is now central Germany. The duchy was part of the larger region of Thuringia and played a significant role in the cultural and political landscape of Germany during the late Middle Ages and the early modern period. The most notable duke was Karl August, who ruled from 1775 to 1828 and was a patron of the arts and education. The duchy is known for its contributions to literature and philosophy, particularly during the Weimar Classicism movement, which included prominent figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller. The Duke of Saxe-Weimar's support for these intellectuals helped establish the region as a center of cultural development in Germany.