The House of Babenberg was a noble family that played a significant role in the history of Austria from the 10th to the 13th centuries. They were known for their leadership and territorial expansion, particularly in the region of Lower Austria. The Babenbergs established Vienna as an important political and cultural center. The family produced several notable rulers, including Leopold I and Frederick II, who contributed to the development of the Austrian state. The dynasty ended in 1246 with the death of Frederick II, leading to a power vacuum that eventually allowed the Habsburgs to rise to prominence in the region.