Ernst I was a notable figure in the history of Saxony, serving as the Duke of Saxony-Gotha from 1640 until his death in 1675. He was a member of the House of Wettin and played a significant role in the political landscape of his time, particularly in the aftermath of the Thirty Years' War. His reign was marked by efforts to rebuild and stabilize his duchy. During his rule, Ernst I focused on cultural and educational advancements, establishing institutions that promoted learning and the arts. He was known for his patronage of the University of Jena and for fostering a climate of intellectual growth, which contributed to the development of Saxony as a center of culture in Germany.