The House of Saxe-Gotha is a German noble family that originated in the 17th century. It was established by Ernest the Pious, Duke of Saxe-Gotha, who ruled from 1640 to 1675. The house became prominent in the region of Thuringia and played a significant role in the politics and culture of Germany. Members of the House of Saxe-Gotha were known for their connections to various European royal families through marriage. The most notable branch is the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, which produced several monarchs, including Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and King Leopold I of Belgium.