John II, Duke of Saxe-Weimar was a German nobleman born in 1570. He became the Duke of Saxe-Weimar in 1573 after the death of his father, John I, Duke of Saxe-Weimar. John II ruled during a time of political and religious change in the Holy Roman Empire, navigating the complexities of the Protestant Reformation. John II is known for his efforts to promote education and culture in his duchy. He supported the establishment of schools and encouraged the arts, contributing to the development of Weimar as a center of culture in Germany. He passed away in 1605, leaving a legacy of educational advancement.