Italian dukes were noble rulers in Italy during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. They often governed specific regions or cities, wielding significant political and military power. Many dukes belonged to prominent families, such as the Medici in Florence or the Sforza in Milan, and they played crucial roles in the cultural and economic development of their territories. Dukes were responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and defending their lands. They often engaged in alliances and conflicts with other noble families and city-states. The title of duke was prestigious, and many dukes were patrons of the arts, contributing to the flourishing of Italian Renaissance culture.