The Dukes of Pomerania were a series of rulers in the historical region of Pomerania, located along the southern shore of the Baltic Sea. This duchy emerged in the 12th century and played a significant role in the political landscape of northern Europe. The dukes were part of the Slavic and later German nobility, influencing trade and culture in the area. Throughout their reign, the Dukes of Pomerania were involved in various alliances and conflicts, often aligning with powerful neighbors like Poland and Sweden. The duchy eventually fragmented into smaller territories, but the legacy of the dukes remains an important part of Pomeranian history.