Saxony-Gotha was a historical duchy located in what is now central Germany. It was part of the larger region of Thuringia and existed from the early 17th century until the early 19th century. The duchy was formed in 1640 when Duke Ernst I divided the Duchy of Saxe into smaller territories. The capital of Saxony-Gotha was the city of Gotha, which became an important cultural and political center. The duchy was known for its contributions to the arts and education, including the establishment of the Gotha University in 1822. In 1826, Saxony-Gotha was merged with other territories to form the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.