Frederick III, Duke of Austria was born in 1415 and became a prominent noble in the Habsburg dynasty. He ruled as Duke of Austria from 1439 until his death in 1493. Frederick was known for his efforts to consolidate power and expand his territories, which laid the groundwork for the future influence of the Habsburgs in Europe. Frederick III was also the father of Maximilian I, who would later become the Holy Roman Emperor. His reign was marked by political maneuvering and strategic marriages, which helped to strengthen the Habsburg family's position in European politics during the late Middle Ages.